SHATTERED LIVES with Donna R. Gore, “LadyJustice”
Examining the effects of those who have survived violent crime and how it has impacted their lives.
Real people, real tragedy, real help.
Saturdays at 5pm ET Listen LIVE: CLICK HERE
Where is justice and how long does it last?
In a little over a year, Shattered Lives has presented information about many whose lives have been shattered as victims of various types of crime. Guests have told their stories, offered resources for crime victims, and consoled, comforted and created new connections for listeners of the show.
On this show, host, Donna R. Gore (LadyJustice) will reveal her personal story about the murder of her father 34 years ago. The person responsible for the murder is up for parole and she will let listeners in on what happens to families and how they are affected long term. It’s a cycle that’s never over, the ripple effect of one crime which continues to splash into all areas of a victim’s life.
Attorney Michelle Cruz has been consulted by Gore’s family to help them through the process and navigate the justice system and provide legal aid and support to the family as they face the parole board for the first time.
In the early 1990s, Michelle Cruz began working with domestic violence victims at various stages of their journey while attending Community College. Inspired by Attorney Sarah Buel and her ground breaking work and commitment to victims’ of crime in Quincy, MA, Cruz chose to pursue her bachelor’s degree at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA. In 1995, she began working for the Hampshire County District Attorney’s Office as a victim witness advocate. In 2001, Cruz graduated from the University of Connecticut, School of Law and for the last six years has worked as an Assistant District Attorney in both Hampshire and Hampden County.
Michelle Cruz stated, “My experiences have taught me that true wisdom is knowledge combined with compassion. Without compassion, knowledge is little more than well-educated ignorance.”
Cruz has had personal experience as a victim of threats and stalking stemming from an ex-boyfriend. The ability to put herself in the shoes of a victim greatly enhances the advice and assistance she’s able to give. She has been leading the charge for more services to victims, tighter laws, particularly regarding domestic violence/intimate partner homicide. Cruz assists victims through the intimidation and fear of the complexities of the system, those who are unable to navigate their way at the most vulnerable and devastating time in their lives.
Michelle Cruz is now in private practice.
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