Origins
The organization’s origins are rooted in a tragic story that unfolded in Virginia Beach in 2006, as reported in an article posted on October 4, 2021. According to the Samaritan House of Virginia Beach, one in three homicides in Hampton Roads is the result of domestic violence, and over the past 20 years, more than 2,600 people have been killed in the Commonwealth due to domestic or intimate partner violence. One of those victims was Claire Cucchiari Loring, an accomplished student at Old Dominion University and a highly talented jazz singer and music major.
Claire met her boyfriend at the age of 18, and after spending five years together, she broke up with him on Thanksgiving Day in 2006. However, he didn’t take it well and began stalking her, threatening suicide and pleading for her to take him back. On the night of December 6, 2006, Claire went to her boyfriend’s home to retrieve some items, but he held her at gunpoint for 15 hours, repeatedly threatening to kill them both. Claire managed to escape in the morning and went straight to the police, but she was afraid of what he might do if she pressed charges.
Claire and her mother went into hiding and obtained a protective order, but her boyfriend somehow found her again. He confronted her in a parking lot, and despite her attempts to run, he shot her three times in the stomach before taking his own life. Claire was only three weeks away from her 23rd birthday when she tragically lost her life on the same day she had taken out a protective order against her partner.
In memory of Claire, her mother Kate has been working tirelessly to keep her memory alive through speaking engagements and music scholarships in her honor. Kate will give the keynote address at the Day of Unity Domestic Violence Vigil in Virginia Beach, raising awareness about domestic violence and honoring the lives lost to this epidemic. This tragic event inspired the organization to come into existence, driven by the mission to raise awareness about domestic violence, support survivors, and prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.
The story of Claire Cucchiari Loring hit close to home for the organization’s President, Preston Hocker, as Claire was a close friend of his. He was devastated by the loss of his friend and deeply affected by the impact of domestic violence on individuals and communities. This personal connection further fueled his passion and commitment to supporting survivors of domestic violence and working towards preventing such tragedies from occurring. As the organization’s President, Preston has been instrumental in leading efforts to raise awareness, provide resources, and advocate for policy changes to address domestic violence in the community. His personal connection to Claire’s story has driven him to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others affected by domestic violence and to honor Claire’s memory by working towards a safer and more compassionate society.