#DomesticViolenceAwareness – Diet Coke and Hair-Spray

What It Takes to Leave

Leaving an Abusive Relationship: What Survivors Face After the Escape

Leaving an abusive relationship isn’t just about making a decision. It’s about surviving everything that comes after.

For many survivors, walking away becomes the most dangerous moment of their lives. The abuser has lost control, and that loss can trigger violence. Years of psychological and emotional manipulation often escalate in a final act of retaliation.

For Alina Gaona, that moment came on October 9, 2024.

That night, her estranged husband, Oscar Gaona, showed up at her home in Sheridan, Wyoming. He was armed. He made threats. As Alina tried to flee, he pulled the trigger.

She survived. She got away and called for help. Law enforcement responded quickly and arrested Gaona shortly afterward.

Even with him in custody, the trauma doesn’t vanish. Survivors of attempted homicide carry physical, emotional, and psychological scars that last long after the event.

Oscar Gaona was charged with two counts of aggravated assault. On February 20, 2025, he entered a guilty plea to one count through a deal that recommended a prison sentence of three to five years. His sentencing is scheduled for May 6, 2025.

Domestic Violence in Wyoming: A Silent Emergency

Domestic violence affects every community, but in Wyoming, survivors face unique and life-threatening challenges. Isolation, limited access to resources, and small-town dynamics can trap victims in dangerous situations.

Rural Isolation Delays Help

Wyoming is the least populated state in the U.S. Long stretches of open land and vast rural areas can make help nearly unreachable. Some survivors live hours from the nearest domestic violence shelter, if one exists at all.

Law enforcement officers often cover hundreds of miles, delaying emergency response times. Family and friends may be scattered across the state, leaving victims without a nearby support system.

In many cases, the only safe option is to leave Wyoming entirely, which can feel impossible without financial resources.

Small Communities Create Big Barriers

In small towns, privacy is hard to come by. Survivors often worry that reporting abuse will lead to judgment or disbelief, especially if the abuser holds a respected position in the community.

Law enforcement may know the abuser personally. Judges and prosecutors sometimes lean toward leniency to avoid upsetting local dynamics. These realities create an environment where victims hesitate to come forward.

Guns and Domestic Abuse Are a Deadly Combination

Wyoming ranks among the highest in gun ownership rates nationwide. While most residents use firearms responsibly, studies show that the presence of a gun increases the risk of homicide in domestic violence cases by 500 percent.

In Alina Gaona’s case, a firearm was allegedly used in the assault. Incidents like this highlight the deadly consequences survivors face when leaving.

Why Leaving Triggers Danger

Leaving is not always the safest option. Abusers often become most violent when they feel control slipping away.

Control Turns to Rage

Research shows that survivors are at the highest risk of being murdered after they leave. That loss of power can turn into desperation and explosive violence.

Emotional Conditioning Lingers

Abusers don’t start with physical attacks. They begin with charm, manipulation, and subtle control. Over time, victims are conditioned to question themselves. Even when they know they need to leave, breaking that mental hold takes incredible strength.

Financial Dependence Can Trap Survivors

Many abusers isolate their partners financially. They may forbid employment, drain bank accounts, or ruin credit. Starting over often means starting from nothing.

Children Are Used as Leverage

Abusers often use children to maintain control. They may threaten to take custody or use legal systems to harass the survivor through prolonged court battles.

Fear Is Constant

Survivors live with the fear of retaliation. Police reports and restraining orders do not guarantee safety. When someone has already shown a willingness to harm, every step must be planned for survival.

The Legal System Often Falls Short

Oscar Gaona’s plea deal, recommending three to five years for allegedly shooting at his estranged wife, reflects a broader issue. Outcomes like this are unfortunately common.

Plea bargains are often used in domestic violence cases to avoid retraumatizing the victim or to secure a guaranteed conviction. While this can spare survivors the pain of testifying, it frequently feels like an inadequate response to the trauma inflicted.

A sentence of three to five years may satisfy the court, but the survivor lives with the consequences far longer.

Life After Abuse Requires Support

Leaving is only the first step. Rebuilding takes time, resources, and safety.

Survivors often start over from zero. Some move to new towns, take on new names, and avoid contact with anyone tied to their past. Even then, the emotional weight lingers.

Common Challenges Include:

Post-Traumatic Stress and Anxiety
Panic attacks, hypervigilance, and insomnia often persist.
Rebuilding Trust
Emotional scars can make new relationships and friendships difficult.
Legal Entanglements
Custody battles, stalking, and protection order violations may continue long after separation.

Support Is Available

No one deserves to live in fear. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, these resources can help:

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or thehotline.org
Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault: wyomingdvsa.org
SAFE Project (Laramie, WY): 307-742-7273

Survivors deserve more than survival. They deserve peace, justice, and the space to rebuild their lives on their own terms.

xoxo
-S

As an amateur true crime writer, I strive to provide accurate and well-researched information. However, please be aware that I am not a professional investigator or journalist, and my work is based on available sources and my understanding of the case. There may be inaccuracies or incomplete details in my posts. I encourage readers to seek out additional sources and verify information from official and professional channels. Thank you for your understanding and support.

https://cowboystatedaily.com/2024/11/06/wyoming-woman-says-estranged-husband-baited-then-tried-to-kill-her/

On November 22, 2018, Kelsey Berreth, a 29-year-old mother from Woodland Park, Colorado, vanished under mysterious circumstances. Kelsey, a flight instructor and devoted mother to her 1-year-old daughter, was reported missing after her family and friends grew concerned when they had not heard from her for several days. Her case quickly gained national attention, and the search for her became a high-profile investigation.

The Last Known Sighting

Kelsey was last seen on November 22, 2018, at a Safeway grocery store in Woodland Park. Surveillance footage from the store captured her entering and leaving the store, seemingly in good spirits. She was seen wearing a white coat and carrying several bags of groceries. After leaving the store, Kelsey was seen driving her black Toyota 4Runner, which was later discovered abandoned near her home.

Her home, located in a quiet neighborhood, was found to be in disarray. The front door was unlocked, and there were signs of a struggle. Her phone was also missing, which made it difficult for investigators to trace her last movements.

Investigative Challenges

The search for Kelsey Berreth was extensive and involved multiple agencies, including the FBI. Despite the thorough search efforts, investigators faced several challenges. The initial investigation was hindered by the lack of concrete evidence and reliable witnesses. Surveillance footage and witness accounts did not provide clear leads.

In a significant development, Kelsey’s fiancé, Patrick Frazee, was arrested in December 2018. He was charged with multiple counts related to Kelsey’s disappearance, including first-degree murder. The case took a dramatic turn when Frazee’s former employee, Krystal Lee Kenney, came forward with information about the case. Kenney’s testimony played a crucial role in uncovering details about Kelsey’s last days.

Legal Proceedings

Patrick Frazee was tried in 2019 and found guilty of first-degree murder and other charges related to Kelsey’s death. The trial revealed disturbing details about Frazee’s actions leading up to and following Kelsey’s disappearance. The evidence presented in court included testimony about a violent confrontation and efforts to cover up the crime.

In February 2019, Frazee was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The conviction brought a sense of justice to Kelsey’s family, though the case remained a painful chapter in their lives.

Family and Community Response

Kelsey’s family and friends have been vocal in their search for answers and justice. They organized search parties, vigils, and awareness campaigns to keep Kelsey’s case in the public eye. Her family described her as a loving mother and a dedicated professional, and her disappearance and death have had a profound impact on those who knew her.

The community of Woodland Park came together to support Kelsey’s family during the investigation and trial. The case has also raised awareness about domestic violence and the importance of taking action when signs of abuse are present.

Legacy and Reflection

The disappearance and murder of Kelsey Berreth highlight the importance of vigilance and support for those who may be victims of domestic violence. Her case serves as a reminder of the impact that one person’s absence can have on their loved ones and the broader community.

As the legal proceedings have concluded, Kelsey’s family continues to honor her memory and advocate for justice. Her story remains a poignant example of the need for ongoing awareness and support for victims of violence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or needs support, please reach out to local resources or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

xoxo
-S