The month for focusing on domestic violence

Margaret E. Bostrom was a 31-year-old clinical psychologist in a federal penitentiary in Lewisburg, Pa. On Aug. 16, 1996, she was stabbed 16 times in the chest with a butcher’s knife.

Her murderer was not a dangerous inmate.

It was her husband.

Margaret’s parents, Shirley Pierce Bostrom and Lawrence J. Bostrom, have made it their life’s mission to educate the nation about the dangers of domestic violence.

Women’s Support Services in Sharon will host the Bostroms on Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Sharon Town Hall.

“The presentation combines my daughter’s life and the actual murder with how my husband and I survived all that,� Shirley Bostrom said. “The way we’ve done it is by speaking to groups about domestic violence.�

Bostrom said that she has done extensive research, and offers statistics and warning signs as part of the presentation.

“Sometimes people are shocked, other times they’re very angry,� she said.

“Some of them come up and say, ‘I know someone who’s in a relationship this bad and you’ve helped clarify my thinking.’�

The Bostroms have spoken all over  the country and in Canada to groups such as Parents of Murdered Children and the National Organization for Victim Assistance. They also have spoken here in the Northwest Corner.

Shirley Bostrom’s book, “Funny — He Doesn’t Look Like a Murderer! But Margie Is Dead,� will be on sale at the event.

Lori Rivenbrugh, the new director of Women’s Support Services, said the Bostroms’ presentation is the beginning of a series of events scheduled for October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“We just want to increase awareness of domestic violence and share stories about people who are our neighbors who have experienced it,� she said. “We’re looking for anyone who’s interested in learning more about domestic violence. The [Bostroms’] story is very touching.�

In addition to the presentation on Oct. 7, WSS will have an informational booth at the Fall Festival in Salisbury Oct. 11 and 12 and will host its annual candlelight vigil Wednesday, Oct. 15, this year at Lawrence Field in North Canaan.

At the vigil, state Rep. Roberta Willis (D-64) will speak,  and so will a survivor of domestic violence.

Agnes Maldonado, the interim executive director of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, will also offer remarks. “Walk in Our Footsteps,� an exhibit highlighting the effects of domestic violence, will be on display.