HOUSTON – Police continue searching for Kevin Faux, the man accused in the death of pregnant Houston woman Ashanti Allen, a case her family says is now highlighting the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of speaking up.
A new study from the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine finds violence, including homicide and suicide, is a leading cause of death for pregnant and postpartum women in the United States.
Allen’s family says they saw no signs of abuse.
Her mother, Trisa Gaines Colbert, says she is now speaking out in grief and anger over what happened.
“If they would have kept him, my daughter would have still been here,” she said.
Court records show Kevin Faux was previously arrested and charged in September for allegedly abusing Allen and was later released.
Allen’s mother believes he killed her daughter shortly after his most recent court date, and says she feared the worst after Allen disappeared while eight months pregnant.
“I know my child… my child is in danger. This is serious,” she said.
As police continue searching for Faux, a trauma therapist says victims of abuse often suffer in silence.
“Silence is never the answer… a lot of survivors suffer in silence,” said Chau Nguyen, a trauma therapist.
Nguyen said abuse often begins subtly before escalating.
“Threats, verbal assaults… that’s how it starts,” she said.
Experts say a safety plan can be critical for anyone in a dangerous relationship. That includes telling a trusted friend or family member, preparing a go bag with cash, identification and important documents, and knowing when and how to safely leave.
“Timing is critical… knowing when to leave,” Nguyen said.
Allen’s family is now urging others who may be suffering in silence to speak up to loved ones before it is too late.