10/10/12 - Members of the community gathered in downtown Howell as dusk fell Tuesday to remember the victims of domestic violence and recognize the courage of survivors. LACASA held its 16th annual candlelight vigil and a large crowd gathered the historic courthouse to remember the men, women, children and families in Livingston County and across the state killed at the hands of domestic violence but also to support and honor those who lived to tell their stories. The vigil is held in October to mark National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Howell High School a cappella choir performed while the names of those who have lost their lives to domestic violence were read aloud. 101 silhouettes served as a visual reminder of those who have died locally and a letter from a survivor was read aloud. Speakers noted that the effects of domestic violence are devastating and far reaching because it speaks many languages, has many colors and lives in many different communities. Others spoke of the courage it takes for someone to not only leave a violent relationship but to stay in one because of the fear experienced. They say many choose to endure the abuse instead of putting their children at risk or stay because they realize if and when they do leave, that is when theyâre at the greatest risk of death. In 2011, a total of 68,500 women in Michigan suffered from domestic violence and in Livingston County, law enforcement responded to 336 calls. (JM)
↧