Azalia Wilson's mother Trinette Wilton and sister Crystal Wilton, pictured holding Azalia's daughter Kiara, have set up a business to help victims of domestic violence. Photo / Laura Smith
Azalia Wilson's mother Trinette Wilton and sister Crystal Wilton, pictured holding Azalia's daughter Kiara, have set up a business to help victims of domestic violence. Photo / Laura Smith
When Azalia Wilson was murdered, her mother Trinette and her sister Crystal were angry she had been taken from them.
But the support of their loved ones and the fond memories of Azalia made them want to transform that anger into action.
Azalia was brutally murdered in November 2019, byher ex-partner Samuel Samson, with whom she had a daughter.
Last week, Samson was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum period of 17 years after being found guilty by a jury of murdering Azalia.
Her family are now helping others who suffer from domestic violence.
The family have set up a business, with all profits given to domestic violence charities.
Azalia Wilson was murdered by her ex-partner. Photo / ODT
The Azalia Apparel is an online retail store which sells clothing with messages raising awareness about the issue.
"We are creating pieces for a cause we feel deeply about.
"Those messages — like 'know the signs' and 'stop the violence' — became our mottos since day one," she said.
"We want to have messages which make people feel stronger," she said.
It had not been an easy process to get the business up and running.
Since the murder, the family have been involved in court trials and proceedings, which they described as "draining".
All their energy had been put into pursuing justice for Azalia.
The family had experienced the pain of a possessive and jealous relationship, and unfortunately they had also experienced the worst outcome, Trinette Wilton said.
While her family knew Azalia was in a troubled relationship, they did not want to push too hard, so as not to drive her away.
