Candlelight vigil at Heritage Park highlights Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Canton Township
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Summary
Residents gathered in Heritage Park in October for a candlelight vigil to honor lives lost to intimate-partner violence, raise awareness and connect attendees with local resources. Organizers said they partnered with First Step, a domestic violence and sexual assault resource center that provides shelter and other supports.
Residents and organizers gathered at Heritage Park in Canton Township on an October evening for a candlelight vigil honoring victims of intimate-partner violence, organizers said.
Organizers said the event aimed both to remember lives taken by intimate-partner violence and to hold space for families, friends and the broader community. "We're here to remember. We're here to honor lives taken by intimate partner violence, and we're also here to hold space for families, for friends, and also for the community," a participant said.
The host told the crowd the vigil was held in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and intended to reduce isolation and encourage community support. "We are here tonight in Heritage Park in honor of domestic violence awareness month for October. ... So today, we are here to shine a light on that issue and talk about how we as a community can come together to prevent domestic violence," the event organizer said.
Organizers said they partnered with First Step, which they described as "the domestic violence and sexual assault resource center for our community." The organizer added, "They provide resources of all kinds as well as a shelter."
A participant who spoke about surviving abuse described its long-term effects and the persistence of triggers. "When it's all said and done, those of us who have survived, those of us who are still going through it, you don't realize how much it sticks with you until you have those triggering moments," the participant said.
Speakers closed by stressing Canton Township's willingness to help residents who seek support. "This is an important event for the community because a lot of people I know feel isolated. ... But we want you to know that Canton is a welcoming, safe community, and we will reach out and help you or help you anytime you ask," a participant said.
Organizers encouraged attendees to connect with First Step for shelter and other services; contact details were not specified in the remarks.
The vigil combined remembrance, survivor testimony and information about local services as part of observances for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.