Remembering Charity Snow: Two Years Later

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time when we come together to raise awareness, support survivors, and remember those whose lives have been lost to domestic violence.

This October, we remember one of our own.

Two years ago, our Shelby County community lost Charity Snow to domestic violence. Charity was a mother, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. She was loved by her family and by those who knew her, and her absence continues to be felt by the people she left behind.

In October 2024, family, friends, and community members gathered in Columbiana for a candlelight vigil to honor Charity’s memory. They came together to grieve, to support her family, and to call attention to the devastating impact domestic violence has on families and communities.

At that vigil, Charity’s brother, Bobby Snow, spoke about the importance of listening to people who may be experiencing abuse. His message was a reminder that fear can make it difficult for someone to speak openly about what is happening in their relationship, and that our willingness to listen can make a difference. He echoed those sentiments at last year’s vigil marking a year since Charity’s death.

Today that message remains just as important.

Remembering the People Behind the Statistics

When we talk about domestic violence, we often talk about statistics, warning signs, and resources. These conversations are important, but we must also remember the individuals and families behind them.

Every life lost to domestic violence represents a person with relationships, memories, hopes, and a place in their community. Their loss is felt by children, parents, siblings, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.

For the families left behind, the impact of domestic violence does not end when the headlines fade. Birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and ordinary moments continue to carry the absence of someone they love.

As we remember Charity, we also recognize the many other families who have experienced similar losses, including those whose stories have never made the news.

Remembering Charity Through Community Action

This month, the Shelby County Domestic Violence Coalition is taking time during its October meeting to honor Charity’s memory and remember all those whose lives have been lost to domestic violence.

We are especially grateful to Charity’s family, who have become part of the coalition and continue to lend their voices to the effort to improve our community’s response to domestic violence.

The coalition brings together law enforcement, victim service providers, community organizations, and other partners who share a commitment to supporting survivors and strengthening our local response.

That work requires communication, cooperation, and a willingness to learn from one another. It means recognizing warning signs, responding with compassion, connecting people with resources, and working to make our community safer.

We cannot undo the losses our community has experienced. But we can remember the people behind those losses, listen to their families, and continue working toward a future where fewer families experience the same grief.

We Remember

As we mark two years since Charity’s death, we extend our love and support to her family and to everyone who continues to carry her memory.

We are grateful to Bobby, Misty, and their family for allowing our community to remember Charity alongside them.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to learn about domestic violence, recognize the warning signs, and listen without judgment when someone reaches out for support.

And today, we ask our community to take a moment to remember Charity Snow.

Her life mattered. Her story matters. And she has not been forgotten.

Help is available.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, SafeHouse offers free, confidential support, including safety planning, counseling, emergency shelter, and advocacy. You do not have to be ready to leave a relationship to get help.