Hello Readers,
In Honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I am going to post articles and heartfelt stories that discuss the aftermath and statistics with domestic abuse. I hope that each of the articles and stories I post resonate in some of the lives of my readers, and if you've not experienced domestic violence I hope that you are educated on the subject and empowered to give back to the community in Women's Shelters or donate to organizations fighting for women in need.
Today, an interesting story caught my eye. According to the Indiana Statesman, "29 balloons were released in honor of all who have been affected by domestic violence in the Wabash Valley."
Image Credit: Indiana Statesman
The vigil was held Monday night on the steps of City Hall. Over 50 people attended in memory of the 28 people who have died from abuse in Wabash Valley since 1985.
"It is important for everyone to be aware of this topic because one in four women will be victims of domestic abuse at some point in their lives," said Susan Hall, executive director of the Council on Domestic Abuse (CODA).
According to the Indiana Statesman, "The people who were invited to the vigil were friends and families of those honored and people interested in doing something about domestic violence."
Here are a couple of statements: from People Who have Experienced Domestic Violence at the Vigil:
Yvonne Creekbaum, 52, of Terre Haute, is CODA's longest serving employee, having attended 14 vigils in her lifetime. Creekbaum said she deals with the aftermath of an abusive home."It is awful when I see people come in who are devastated," Creekbaum said. "At no fault of theirs, they have to walk away from everything."
Another attendant, Sarah Dillon, a 35-year old ISU alumna, said she was there in honor of her friend Jennifer Stockrahm, who was killed by her husband."Here I am comforted by the support of the people who attend," Dillon said in reference to the vigil.
"When you hurt, we hurt," Modesitt said in support of all those who attended. "We come tonight together for hope, bonding together, supporting each other and remembering."My Thoughts:
I think this is a great opportunity to support one another, especially for victims, survivers, and family. It gives people a time to reflect, remember, and remind themselves that their is still a long way to go!What we have to do is remember, fight, and support each other in this time. I hope many others will be inspired to have vigils or ceremony's in their prospective areas. It will help someone in need.For more information about the vigil at Indiana State University,
please check out:
http://media.www.indianastatesman.com/media/storage/paper929/news/2009/10/07/Campus/Victims.Speak.Out.Against.Domestic.Abuse-3795385.shtmlLast Words from the Vigil, via Indiana Statesman:
After Cathy Sponsler sang "A New Life," each participant took a candle and helped light each other's candles. Then a moment of silence resided over the attendees.
"Let us leave in silence because it just makes sense," Hall said. "Let's have silence in our hearts and peace in our minds until we come together again next year."
The candles remained lit as
28 purple balloons were released one by one by friends and family of those who have lost their lives because of abuse. Each balloon had a name on it and was released as they were read.
Robin Chillington, a worker of 12 years at Council on Domestic Abuse, read the names.
One white balloon took to the sky in honor of all the survivors of domestic abuse.
"A balloon for all who have survived," Chillington said. "This is their night."
What do you think?
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