Orcas Island songstress Mandy Troxel has released a new, original song in honor of  October’s Domestic Violence Awareness month. The song developed from a frightening incident that unfolded between a couple, near  where Troxel works.

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

At first the singer 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 doesn’t know the people involved; they were out of view.

Domestic violence awareness is an issue near to Troxel’s heart. While in her 20s, she volunteered as a live-in house manager at a San Francisco women’s shelter.

Following the incident so close to home, Troxel realized she could use her skills as a songwriter to raise awareness, and perhaps also raise some funds for the local DVSAS office.

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, which is available for free download, with an option to “tip” online. All “tips” will go to the San Juan County’s DVSAS office.