Orcas Island singer songwriter Mandy Troxel has released a new original song in honor of October’s Domestic Violence Awareness month. The song is available for free download, with the option to “tip” the music, with 100 percent of the proceeds designated towards the San Juan County’s DVSAS office.

The song developed from an incident that unfolded adjacent to where Mandy was working.

“It was very scary and disturbing,” recalls Mandy. “I couldn’t shake it until I got home and wrote it all out, and then it took the form of lyrics.”

At first Mandy was concerned about preserving the anonymity of the parties involved, but then realized that there was anonymity in the fact that it was such a common scenario. She herself does not know the people involved, as they were out of view, separated by a fence.

Domestic violence awareness is an issue near to Mandy’s heart. While in her 20s she volunteered as a live-in house manager at a women’s shelter in San Francisco. “I met some amazing families who were working so, so hard to get themselves into a better place, physically and emotionally. I also learned that domestic violence is an issue that effects all of us, period.”

Reflecting on observing a recent incident so close to home, Mandy says, “It was a horrible thing to feel as though there was nothing I could do to help.” Mandy then realized that she could use her skills as a songwriter to raise awareness, and perhaps also raise some funds for the local DVSAS office. She adds, “This presented a chance that I could help this family directly. That felt really good.”

The song, “Why’d you have to do this here?” was recorded at the Olgabowl on Orcas Island. Bruce Harvie and violinist Leah Ballou lent their instrumentation to the song. Visit www.MandyTroxel.com for the song. All tips will go to the San Juan County’s DVSAS office.