Report on a Domestic Violence Fatality in Phoenix in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Case Summary

This report details the case of Racal “Kelly” Ramos, a domestic violence case manager who was murdered by her partner, Jermaine Houston, on August 22, 2022, in Phoenix, Arizona. As the perpetrator awaits sentencing, this case serves as a critical example of the challenges in achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to gender equality, justice, and well-being. The victim’s mother, Angelina Sanchez, is now advocating for awareness, aligning with the global objectives to end such violence.

Analysis in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 5: Gender Equality

This case is a direct contravention of SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Specifically, it highlights the failure to meet Target 5.2: “Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres.”

• The murder of Racal Ramos by her intimate partner is an extreme manifestation of gender-based violence.
• The victim’s professional role as a case manager for domestic violence victims underscores the pervasive nature of this issue, which can affect anyone, including those actively working to prevent it.
• The family’s advocacy following the tragedy serves to continue the victim’s work, contributing to the broader goal of eradicating violence against women.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The legal proceedings following the murder relate directly to SDG 16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies and access to justice for all. The case demonstrates several aspects of Target 16.1 (Significantly reduce all forms of violence) and Target 16.3 (Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice).

1. Violence Eruption: The incident began when the perpetrator’s temper “boiled over,” leading to him shooting the victim 17 times. This represents a complete breakdown of peaceful conflict resolution.
2. Institutional Response: Phoenix police were called to the scene, representing the initial institutional response to the threat of violence.
3. Judicial Process: A jury found Jermaine Houston guilty on all charges, demonstrating the function of the justice system in holding perpetrators accountable.
4. Sentencing and Accountability: The upcoming sentencing hearing, where the County Attorney has recommended life in prison, is the final step in the legal process to deliver justice for the victim and her family.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The profound impact of domestic violence on physical and mental health is a core concern of SDG 3. This case illustrates the most severe consequences of such violence.

• The murder of Ms. Ramos is the ultimate failure to ensure a healthy life and well-being.
• The lasting trauma inflicted upon the victim’s family, particularly her four children who are now without a mother, represents a significant challenge to their long-term mental and emotional well-being.
• The mother’s statement that the loss “left a big void in all of us” quantifies the deep psychological impact on the surviving family members.

Advocacy and Resources for SDG Achievement

Family Advocacy

Angelina Sanchez has channeled her grief into advocacy, urging others in abusive situations to seek help. Her message, “Get out of it…the sooner the better, because it’s only going to progress,” is a call to action that supports the preventative goals of the SDGs.

Support Systems and Resources

The availability of robust support systems is crucial for making progress on SDGs 3, 5, and 16. The following resources are vital for individuals seeking to escape domestic violence:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
• Arizona Department of Economic Security: Provides state-level domestic violence services.
• City of Phoenix: Offers local domestic violence resources and referrals.
• Turn a New Leaf: An organization providing services for victims of sexual and domestic violence.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  The article’s central theme is domestic violence, specifically violence against a woman by her male partner. This directly addresses the SDG 5 goal of achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls, particularly by tackling violence against them.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article details a violent crime (murder) and the subsequent response of the justice system, including the police intervention, the jury trial, the guilty verdict, and the upcoming sentencing. This connects to the goal of promoting peaceful societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article discusses the ultimate negative health outcome—a premature death resulting from violence. It also touches upon the mental health and well-being of the victim before her death (“she was more withdrawn”) and the profound emotional suffering of her surviving family (“the pain is still there,” “left a big void in all of us”).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres.

   The entire article is a case study of this target. Racal Ramos was a victim of escalating domestic violence in her own home (the private sphere) by her live-in boyfriend, which culminated in her murder. The article states, “Her live-in boyfriend at the time, Jermaine Houston, was abusing her,” and describes how he “unloaded the gun on her.”

2. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

   This target is directly relevant as the article reports on a homicide. The violent death of Racal Ramos (“He shot her 17 times. My daughter didn’t have a chance”) is a specific instance of a violence-related death that this target aims to reduce.

3. Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

   The article highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence on children. The murder resulted in “four kids without their mother.” The loss of a parent to such a violent act constitutes a severe form of emotional trauma and abuse for the children left behind.

4. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

   The article demonstrates the justice system in action. A report was made to the police (“Someone who heard Houston’s threats called Phoenix police”), which led to an investigation and trial. The perpetrator was held accountable (“a jury found Houston guilty on all charges”), and the family is now awaiting the sentencing, seeking a just outcome (“County Attorney Rachel Mitchel is recommending life in prison”).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for Target 5.2 (Indicator 5.2.1): Proportion of ever-partnered women subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner.

  The story of Racal Ramos serves as a qualitative example for this indicator. The article explicitly states she was being abused by her “live-in boyfriend,” which is a case of intimate partner violence.

• Indicator for Target 16.1 (Indicator 16.1.1): Number of victims of intentional homicide.

  The murder of Racal Ramos is a specific data point contributing to this indicator. The article details an intentional homicide: “he jumped up, ran in and just unloaded the gun on her.” The legal proceedings, which found the suspect “guilty on all charges,” confirm the act as an intentional killing.

• Indicator for Target 16.3 (Indicator 16.3.1): Proportion of victims of violence who reported their victimization to competent authorities.

  The article implies this indicator was met when “Someone who heard Houston’s threats called Phoenix police.” This action initiated the official response from the justice system. Furthermore, the conviction rate for such crimes is an implied measure of justice. The fact that “a jury found Houston guilty on all charges” indicates a successful prosecution, which is a key measure of an effective justice system.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: fox10phoenix.com