Woman Burned Was Likely Victim of Domestic Violence

BY JOHN PATTERSON
SALISBURY POST

Elizabeth Patton, like many others Wednesday, found it hard to believe someone could douse another person in kerosene and set them afire.

Much less, how could someone swing at another person with an ax?

Those two acts of violence, sheriff's investigators say, were exactly what Sandra Hammond, 32, went through late Tuesday night at her China Grove mobile home, which she shared with her boyfriend, 45-year-old Van Edward Christopher. Deputies say Christopher assaulted Hammond with the ax and then doused her head and face in kerosene and set her afire.

Patton, the executive director of Salisbury's Rape, Child and Family Abuse Crisis Council, has worked with numerous victims of domestic abuse but admitted Tuesday's incident was one of the most bizarre she'd heard of.

"This type of case will get lots of attention, and I couldn't help but think that this was an opportunity to remind people that there is help for victims of domestic abuse," Patton said. "Salisbury and Rowan County offer help for victims ... There are resources out there."

Patton said such a bizarre act of domestic violence usually means there's been other acts of violence in the relationship before.

"I'm sure that was not the first incident of domestic violence in that relationship," she said. "It (violence) usually builds. What happened to her (Hammond) is not normally what happens, but it probably could have been prevented."

Patton said Tuesday's assault was likely preventable, "especially if she had sought help."

Hammond, who was in serious but stable condition this morning in the burn unit at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, was apparently the victim of a jealous boyfriend, according to a neighbor.

The neighbor, who wished not to be identified, said Tuesday's incident stemmed from "something that happened in court" earlier Tuesday. The neighbor did not say what happened in court that started "the fighting" between Christopher and Hammond.

Hammond, after being set afire, ran across the street to a neighbor's house.

Christopher, who has been charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, allegedly ducked into a neighboring house that formerly belonged to his parents. Rowan County Sheriff's deputies forced their way into the house and arrested Christopher. He's currently in the Rowan County Detention Center under $100,000 secured bond.

Meanwhile, Patton said Tuesday's incident should serve as a reminder that help is out there for the victims of domestic abuse. One of the county's best resources is a shelter located near downtown Salisbury.

"Anyone that needs help or needs to get away from an abuser should call us," Patton said.

Victims of domestic abuse can call the Family Crisis Council hotline at 636-4718, 24 hours a day.

"Domestic violence is a tremendous problem, and we want to be there to help," Patton said. "There is help, and there are resources."