PALMER TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Coinciding with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a candlelight vigil Wednesday held by Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley recognized those who have died and those who have survived domestic and intimate partner violence.
The event opened with music by Dina Hall as over 100 people filled a gym at the Charles Chrin Community Center in Palmer Township.
“I’ve been to quite a few of these, I come every year. It’s very emotional. When the ladies stand up and tell their life story, it’s powerful,” said Ruth Search, the mother of a domestic violence survivor, through tears.
“I’ve been to quite a few of these, I come every year. It’s very emotional. When the ladies stand up and tell their life story, it’s powerful."Ruth Search
Remembrance and reflection
People walked around and observed focal points like “An Empty Place at the Table," representing the lives that have been taken by domestic violence. Stories and pictures of those who have died sat next to table place settings where observers could reflect.
A clothesline display featured t-shirts with different colors, along with messages representing victims and the type of abuse they faced.
Displays also shared messages of hope like declarations of being “free to fly” and how the creators of the shirts have been able to break from the patterns that kept them trapped in a cycle of abuse. The garments discussed how complicated domestic abuse can be.
- Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley hosted an annual vigil for victims of domestic abuse
- Organizers shared stories of how complicated domestic abuse can be
- Art displays represented the lives of people lost to abuse and messages to help people
Meredith Mecca, Community Outreach Director of Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley, said abuse can happen to anyone.
“This is a community problem,” Mecca said. “Domestic and intimate partner violence goes beyond affecting just the survivor. It does affect the entire community. This is a community awareness event as much as it is a time to come together. Our voices are stronger together.”
'Everyone knows someone'
The theme of the night was “everyone knows someone” who has been through domestic and intimate partner violence, even if it was unrecognized by friends, family, and acquaintances.
Speakers at the event shared the types of abusive relationships they were in, with stories highlighting how difficult the abuse can be to recognize and move away from.
Vanessa Vicario discussed the complications of leaving an abusive partner.
“I think for me when I fled, the shelters didn’t really bother me,” Vicario said. “The endless lists of to dos didn’t phase me as near as much as the walking around and wearing this stigma of a domestic violence survivor. This label would have consequences that I would have to live with. It was very hard to make friends because of my backstory and I shouldn't have to feel that way.”
Vicario said it took five years, after being in a 10-year relationship, to separate her life from her former spouse. She said it can take time for survivor to heal and she hopes people who have gone through abuse know that they are worthy of love because they are deserving.
The event concluded as organizers had each row progressively light their candles to the sound of a drum, remembering those who have lost their lives, honor survivors, and give hope for the future.
