Thurs., Oct. 9 Voices Against Violence held a candlelight vigil downtown at 7:00 p.m. to honor survivors and victims of domestic and sexual violence.
About forty people attended the event and showed their support by holding lit candles while members of the group read aloud. Some topics discussed were ways to prevent domestic and sexual violence within the community, as well as the stories of survivors helped by the program.
The names of women and men who were murdered in the N.H. area as a result of domestic and sexual violence were read out loud towards the end of the ceremony.
“I am here to support survivors of domestic and sexual assault,” said Harmony Reid, a junior at PSU. About half of the attendees at the event were males, a greater percentage than in years past. At least twice as many people made it to the event than last year.
“It was a really big surprise to have so many guys,” said Aja Rule, a senior. “It was nice for them to participate as much as they did because we didn’t have so many last year,” he added. Rule is a member of the Social Work club which also attended the vigil.
Participants gathered in the gazebo downtown to discuss how law enforcement, colleges and universities and the media can decrease the amount of domestic and sexually violent acts that are committed each year. By starting small, the vicious cycle of abuse can be decreased in nearby areas as well as across the U.S.
“We feel very supported by the community,” said Lisa Farmer, the director of Voices Against Violence. “The strong turnout of men and women who came tonight to show their support for victims of domestic and sexual violence makes it clear to me that the survivors we work with will continue to be supported by their communities,” she said.
Voices Against Violence is located in Plymouth and is both free and confidential for victims of abuse. Some services Voices Against Violence provide are a 24-hour support line, emergency shelter and advocacy with law enforcement.
According to Voices Against Violence, domestic violence is “A pattern of control that one person exercises over another. It can be physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, or psychological abuse. It occurs in families from all economic, educational, racial, and religious backgrounds.”
This goes hand in hand with sexual violence. Voices Against Violence defines sexual violence as, “Any sexual contact that is forced or coerced. It occurs whenever anyone makes any sexual contact, however slight, against a person’s will. Sexual assault is a crime and is often committed by someone the person knows.”
During the ceremony, Reid read a quote from singer-songwriter Tori Amos that she found inspirational, “Healing takes courage, and we all have courage. Even if we have to dig a little to find it.”
Individuals who feel they may be a victim of domestic or sexual violence are encouraged to get in touch with Voices Against Violence for help. It is free, confidential, and local and may be life saving.
To speak with someone on the 24-hour crisis line, call 603-536-1659 or 1-877-221-6176.