A woman who was critically burned after police say she was set on fire by her ex-boyfriend has been a longtime advocate for domestic violence victims, according to Channel 2 Action News.
Melita Curtis, who is in Grady Memorial Hospital with third-degree burns over 25 percent of her body, has been with the Sistah Circle Organization for 14 years, the television station reported. According to the group's website, Sistah Circle was started in 2002 to help women realize their power, beauty and intelligence.
Mervin Woodard, Curtis’ ex-boyfriend, was arrested Friday after he was found hiding in her home in Clayton County, police said.
Woodard, 39, allegedly doused Curtis with gasoline and set her on fire. Curtis told Clayton police the incident happened Wednesday during a fight with Woodard.
“She did not deserve this,” said Jocasta Odom, who started the Sistah Circle Organization. “We can’t believe this happened to our friend.”
Odom said Woodard and Curtis had been separated for months. Woodard was wanted in Clayton County on family violence and other charges when the incident happened, according to Channel 2.
“She [Curtis] would not be in this situation if he would have been captured seven months ago,” Odom told Channel 2. “She’s a great mother, great daughter, awesome sister, the best friend that you could ever have.”
