Family honors domestic violence victim with effort to help others

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The family of a woman killed in a domestic violence incident in January has started a foundation in her honor and held its first event.

Chartara Courtney, an Augusta native was shot to death by her boyfriend, Willie Wimbley, who then killed himself, according to law enforcement in Harrisburg, North Carolina.

On Sunday, the foundation held a banquet-style celebration at the Columbia County Exhibition Center to honor the launch and expand their outreach efforts.

“We stand against violence,” said Abraham Courtney, a family member.

The foundation’s mission focuses on helping people escape domestic violence situations, and the message at Sunday’s banquet was very clear.

“You’re not stuck here. You have a support team of people who are here to help you. And we do it in the name of Chartara,” said Lithia Wallace, Courtney’s cousin.

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Wallace said she didn’t know about the abuse until it was too late.

“So many women and men, they suffer in silence. After a while you just feel like you’re in it by yourself,” Wallace said.

Foundation board member Ardena Johnson said the goal is to reach victims early, before the abuse escalates.

“Educating young people and helping them to understand that there are signs and to learn the signs that are indicative of domestic violence,” Johnson said.

Wallace said this foundation is important because it can reach victims when they need help most.

“Even for that one moment where they come to clarity of thought and clarity of mind where they can say, you know what, there is a number I can call,” Wallace said.

The organization aims to provide financial assistance to help victims leave dangerous situations.

“And this has been a way for us to share with the public that, hey, somebody is here for you. Someone can help to finance you to get out of the situation. So a lot of times, they feel stuck. And so we want to let them know, hey, you’re not stuck here,” Wallace said.

Johnson said foundations like this are important because domestic violence victims often feel alone.

“Many times they don’t feel that anyone really cares. They feel like they are alone. So we want them to know they are not alone. There is a lifeline out there for them and we want to help them,” Johnson said.

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Wallace said the turnout for Sunday’s event was strong, with community members looking for ways to help.

“The turnout is amazing. Just to know that people are here to support. Sometimes people are looking for a way to support, and they don’t know how, but when they have these opportunities, right, to help with launchings of foundations of this nature, they have an opportunity to put their hands to work and to be a help to the public as well,” Wallace said.

The foundation’s mission is to ensure no family has to experience a loss at the hands of domestic violence.

“When we come together and work together as a community and family, there is nothing that we can’t get done,” Johnson said.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text “START” to 88788. More information about the Chartara Foundation is available on their website.