Rosemary Slaughter-Pate was a 28-year Lockheed Martin Sr. Contracts Manager, who was violently murdered by her 19 year-old son, Everett Pate, Jr. on July 15, 2013. She suffered many years of verbal, financial, and psychological abuse that eventually lead to her death. Currently, Child to Parent Violence/Abuse is not recognized under Florida statutes as a form of Domestic Violence. Alice Flowers, Rosemary’s sister, is determined to get a bill passed by legislators to add Child to Parent Violence /Abuse as a category under Domestic Violence.
Rosemary was an avid cyclist, and on February 13, 2016, Alice, her friends, supporters, and family will undertake a 4-5 day cycling trip to raise awareness to this growing problem that remains hidden in the shadows. This ride’s goal is to draw attention to a legislative need for a bill which will help victims get the support they desperately need. Florida law-makers must be better informed about Child to Parent Violence/Abuse because most victims are primarily women, and they feel embarrassed or helpless not knowing where to turn.
Alice Flowers and her daughter, Tiffany Kelly, has worked on this project for two years, and have created a 501(c)3, non-profit organization entitled The Morning After Center for Hope and Healing, Inc. Last year, the organization held its first RIDE4ROSE event, and it was well attended and supported. In 2016, the organization would like to expand this movement beyond Orange County, and throughout the entire state of Florida.
There is no reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed about your family, or an angry, aggressive child who is engaged in unwelcomed behavior. This is not a phase that will pass over; you need help because the abuse has the potential to turn into violence. Any kind of physical, verbal or psychological abuse directed toward a parent such as hitting, kicking, yelling, cursing, and threatening is Parent Abuse.
Join Alice Flowers, Tiffany Kelly, and supporters of the Morning After Center for Hope & Healing by participating in the 265-mile cycling event to Tallahassee, FL. If you are the parent of a violent or aggressive child, you’re invited to visit their website themorningaftercenter.org to see if this organization is right for you. They need volunteers, in-kind and financial sponsors for this major ride.
Alice and Tiffany welcome the opportunity to speak or meet with you personally to further discuss Child to Parent Violence/Abuse. Legislation is desperately needed because within the current judicial system, minors are treated differently than adults. Parents are legally responsible for the care of minor children, even when the child displays abusive/violent behavior towards the parent(s); the parent could face criminal charges under child abandonment laws.
Thank you for your time and support; the family of Rosemary looks forward to hearing from you. Should you have questions or need additional information, please contact Alice Flowers at 321-229-7688, or Tiffany Kelly at 772-708-4759,.
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