Syracuse, N.Y. -- Yvette Cade tells women trapped in violent domestic relationships to get out as quick as they can. She didn’t and it nearly cost Cade her life. Cade spoke Tuesday at the annual luncheon of Vera House, a Syracuse agency that works with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The 36-year-old woman who lives in a...
Domestic violence survivor Yvette Cade, of Maryland, left, is greeted by Vera House advocate Helena Lamb, right, at the Vera House luncheon at Double Tree Hotel after Cade spoke about being nearly burned to death by her ex-husband.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Yvette Cade tells women trapped in violent domestic relationships to get out as quick as they can.
She didn’t and it nearly cost Cade her life.
Cade spoke Tuesday at the annual luncheon of Vera House, a Syracuse agency that works with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
The 36-year-old woman who lives in a Washington, D.C. suburb was attacked in 2005 by her ex-husband, who doused her with gasoline and set her on fire in her office in front of customers and co-workers. She suffered third-degree burns over 60 percent of her body and spent three months in a hospital. She’s had numerous surgeries and is extensively scarred.
“I felt the intense flame hit my back. The flames were 1,500 degrees,” Cade told about 320 people at the luncheon in the DoubleTree Hotel. “I saw my flesh dripping to my feet.”
Her ex-husband was sentenced to life in prison. Three weeks before the attack, a judge ignored Cade’s pleas to extend a protective order barring the ex-husband from visiting her. Cade has told her story on the Oprah Winfrey show and other national TV programs. Her visit to Syracuse was arranged by childhood friend Shandrist Hillsman, the wife of Quentin Hillsman, coach of the Syracuse University women’s basketball team.
“I share my story because I like to shine a light to help others,” Cade said.
When she began dating her ex-husband she did not think he was capable of abusing her. But he became violent after they got married. He did not like her talking on the phone to relatives or visiting them. Eventually Cade told him she wanted a divorce. He moved out and the intimidation continued until he showed up at her office carrying a Sprite bottle filled with gasoline. Cade said his last words before pouring the gas on her head were, “I love you.”
Cade said there is a way out for women who feel trapped in abusive relationships. She advised them to call Vera House and other agencies that work with battered women.
“Don’t be embarrassed to tell your family because they are there to help you,” she said. “You are worth more than to be treated like a piece of property.”