Anistia Thomas
Anistia Thomas, the ex-wife of state Senate Virgil Smith, who faces criminal charges stemming from a confrontation with her, spoke out publicly Friday about the issue of domestic violence, calling her self a survivor of such violence.
In a story and a video posted on the Detroit Free Press site, she told reporters that domestic violence isn't "solely a woman's problem, but it is a community's problem."
She said she wants city, county and state leaders to look into supporting domestic violence organizations and provide community educational services for domestic violence victims.
Sen. Smith made headlines for days after got into a physical confrontation at his house with his ex-wife and shot at her 2015 Mercedes car on May 10. He faces assault charges.
Elisha Anderson of the Freep reported that Thomas said she is "survivor of domestic violence" but did not answer questions from reporters about what happened last month.
"The violence that Virgil Smith committed against me is more significant than the potential loss of one's Senate seat," she said. "This is not a political campaign. This is about saving lives."
Video below by photographer Mandi Wright of the Detroit Free Press.
