October 31, 2014 at 5:47 p.m.
Candlelight vigil held for victims of domestic abuse
Candlelight vigil held for victims of domestic abuse
Each person held a small candle and, one at a time, they lit them as a sign of remembrance and respect. The group was there to remember those who lost their lives in Wisconsin over the past year due to domestic violence.
Shellie Holmes, the executive director of the Tri-County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, said it's a somber but very meaningful event.
"It's an important piece of coming together and reflecting," she said. "It helps understand a little bit deeper the pain and struggle people go through, and that the work we do has real meaning. We don't want to lose that in the rush of everyday life. It touches us no matter what community we live in."
Although the weather was cold and a light rain misted over the group, Holmes said it was the right time to hold the vigil.
"It's the end of Domestic Violence Awareness month in October and we have a gathering where we honor the homicide victims in Wisconsin over the past year," she said. "There are many more across the country. This year there were 37 victims of domestic violence who lost their lives at the hands of someone who was supposed to love them."
A little more than a handful of people attended the event, but Holmes said that wasn't out of the ordinary. The event's numbers often fluctuate from year to year.
"We have this ceremony, and sometimes we have lots of people, and other times it's only us, but we read each name, we're they're from and pin a carnation on a wreath to honor them," she said. "Tonight, we included the candlelight vigil. We don't always do that, depending on the weather, but tonight we did."
Andy Hildebrand may be reached at [email protected].
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