The Honest Truth

On November 24, 2009, Maria Catroppa, devoted mother of four children, was stabbed to death by her husband in their Surrey home. Although he was recently convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment, some believe that this could only be the isolated act of a madman. At Surrey Women's Centre, however, they know that this isolated act is an everyday occurrence in the lives of women. Women, like Maria, are often most at risk for serious bodily injury and even death when they leave a violent relationship.

As a tribute to Maria Catroppa's life, with the support the of City of Surrey and the Catroppa family, Surrey Women's Centre announces the release of The Honest Truth. This video public service announcement, which premiered at the Second Annual Conference of the Surrey Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (SCADA) on November 08, 2011, is a part of a larger social media campaign that aims to help women identify risk factors for domestic violence and access critical resources such as the Surrey Women's Centre.

It is our hope that you will watch this video and share it with your social networks in memory of Maria, raising public awareness about the warning signs of domestic violence. By profiling the tragic murder of their mother, the Catroppa family wish that this video will "honour their mother's life by recounting the tragic circumstances of her death."

If you or someone you know needs help, call Surrey Women's Centre at 604-583-1295 (24 hours).