The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

September 28, 2009

Shedding light on domestic violence

Candles to remind public of tragic issue

By Bev Davis

During the month of October, agencies who work with victims of domestic violence will sponsor a number of awareness campaigns. Stories will be written, and statistics that show a continuing rise in domestic violence nationwide will be cited.

All of those efforts will be intended to create a greater awareness of issues related to domestic violence and to highlight the prevention and support efforts available for victims and their families.

The West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence hopes a single purple light will carry a powerful but silent message.

The coalition and domestic violence agencies such as the Women’s Resource Center will begin a “Lighting the Way” campaign Friday. Agencies have purchased electric candles, each with a purple flame, symbolizing the color used in the observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“There is no cost for the candles. We are asking businesses and individuals to get them and display them in their windows throughout the month,” said Deanna O’Dell, a client advocate with the Beckley outreach office of the WRC.

She and other staff members are labeling the candles with information about the WRC and bearing the message, “Lighting the way to peace in our hearts, our homes and the world.”

On Oct. 15, those with candles are asked to allow them to burn all night in honor of survivors of domestic violence and in memory of anyone who has lost a life to domestic violence.

On Oct. 22, the WRC will sponsor its annual Candlelight Vigil from 6 to 8 p.m. at the John W. Eye Conference Center on the campus of Mountain State University in Beckley. Survivors will speak during the event.

“At 8 p.m., we will all carry our lighted candles from the conference center to the bell tower, where there will be a balloon release. Each balloon will contain the name of a person who has died because of domestic violence in our state this year,” O’Dell said.

Those who wish to display candles should call 304-255-2559 and request them.

— E-mail: bdavis@register-herald.com

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