Domestic violence victim’s home destroyed by fire

On the morning of April 27, 2015, Thirty-seven-year-old, Sharron Bacchus a mother of six, of Golden Fleece, West Coast Berbice, lost her home through what is believed to be arson.

Bacchus said suspicion rests solely on her husband who is known as “Passion”. The husband, whose current whereabouts are unknown had already served four months in prison in 2013 for domestic abuse.

According to Bacchus, within minutes her entire one-flat home was destroyed leaving herself and two daughters, ages five and seven homeless.

The house in flames
The house in flames

Bacchus later told this newspaper she believes the fire could have resulted from a misunderstanding herself and husband had on Sunday. During their spat, she was beaten by her husband. After the confrontation, she made a report at the Weldaad Police station.

When she returned home, her husband became aware of her actions and dealt her another thrashing. She was able to escape after being rescued by her brother. The woman lamented, she and her two daughters took up lodging at a cousin’s home nearby where they spent the night.

Bacchus said on Monday morning when she returned home she noticed her husband removing the generator and his bicycle; upon seeing which, she grabbed “a piece of clothes” and rushed out within seconds.

The debris remaining
The debris remaining

After making her escape, a boy whom she passed on the street called out to her “Sharron! Sharron look you whole house in smoke”. When she turned around the house was already engulfed. “We couldn’t save anything. The children left without anything” distraught Bacchus noted.

The pregnant mother indicated by time the fire service arrived to put out the flames it was too late. She said the wind had also contributed to the spreading of the fire as it was quite breezy.

Bacchus said she is a victim of constant physical abuse and on one occasion her husband choked her to the point where she spat wads of blood. Because of the repeated abuse, she made reports to the station but claimed the law officers took their own time in coming.

Meanwhile, the mother expressed concerns regarding her daughters’ inability to attend school due to the loss of their uniforms and school supplies in the fire. The remaining four children of whom she is the foster mother reside with her aunt. The only items saved were a few of her livestock.

Bacchus is seeking the public’s assistance in rebuilding her home and can be contacted at telephone numbers 694 4458 and 676 0280.