Just a month and a half after losing her daughter, Corrinna Martin of West Haven is turning her grief into something positive.
Martin started an organization called MOVE, or Mothers of Victims' Equality, to raise awareness about domestic violence.
Police say Eastern Connecticut University student Alyssiah Wiley, 20, was killed by her long-time boyfriend.
Jermaine Richards, 30, of Bridgeport, allegedly kidnapped her back in April, and by mid-May, Martin found out her daughter's remains had been discovered in a wooded area in Trumbull about a mile from Richards' home.
“That's when we came to all agree that something has to be done, something needs to be said. Silence is not the answer,” said Martin.
MOVE's mission is to be proactive.
“We want to prevent a situation before it becomes a situation,” said Martin.
The organization also wants to start a safe house for domestic violence victims. Martin is working with a realtor, who told the organization that if it could come up with 10 percent of the property cost, he could help find a house.
To raise the money, MOVE is holding a fundraiser Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Morning Star Church in New Haven. Tickets are $25 and can be bought at the door.
“I know there are so many people that wanted to donate and help out when we did the recovery for my daughter, and I said this is a recovery effort as well,” said Martin.
The organization is trying to help save lives and make a difference, all in Alyssiah's memory.
“She was a helper, she was a doer, as well, so I know that she would be doing the same thing,” said Martin.
Photo Credit: Facebook