Fifty years ago, my friend, Elizabeth Bruneau, was killed in Lewiston by her husband, Robert
Bruneau. At the time, I was a new nursing student in training at CMMC. A few years earlier
Liz and Bob had lived upstairs from me in Auburn.

On Dec. 5, 1975, Liz came to visit her mother at CMMC. She told me she was divorcing
Bob, and she was afraid he was going to hurt her. The next day Bob shot and killed Liz. I
remember our conversation clearly, even after 50 years.

I wish my inner alarm bells had sounded, that I heard her differently. Instead, I just tried to
be reassuring. I wish I had done something more. I still feel sadness and guilt.

I’m sharing this now because fear like Liz’s is still common. When someone says they’re
afraid of their partner, please — listen! Don’t minimize it. Help them find assistance and
safety.

Those who feel afraid of being harmed should reach out to law enforcement, or to Maine’s domestic violence hotlines (1-866-834-HELP). You are not alone, and you deserve to be safe.
Listening and acting on fear can save a life. I wish I understood that 50 years ago as a 22-
year-old. I deeply value the 50 years of life I have lived since that time. Liz was criminally
and horribly robbed of her life, as are so many other victims of domestic violence. Please
listen when someone says they are afraid.

Steve Raymond
Bath