By Staff
Until the deaths and abuse end, the candlelight vigils in Cass County will continue.
Each year a group will join in a circle in the night, holding candles, to listen to a list of names.
The names read one by one, each signify someone who was once loved and cherished and is now dead, due to domestic violence.
The vigil also includes guest speakers, songs and prayers, along with the reading of the names.
Many abusers would try to shift the blame on the victim. This has lead to this year's theme for the annual one-hour vigil coming Thursday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Mason Township Hall, located 17049 U.S.-12 in Edwardsburg.
The theme of this year's vigil is "I'm the Victim … Not the Blame!"
Myth: The community places responsibility for violence where it belongs.
Fact: Most people blame the victim for battering, some without realizing it.
Too often the victim has been battered down to the point of feeling responsible for the violence. Instead of looking at why the victim doesn't just leave, the community should focus on directing its anger on the abuser.
The vigil is co-sponsored by the Cass County Task Force on Family Violence, Domestic and Sexual Abuse Services, Cass County Prosecutor's Office and the Cass County Youth Committee.
For help, the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Services (DASAS) is a private, non-profit organization serving domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in Cass and St. Joseph Counties since 1984. DASAS provides safety, information, resources, counseling and advocacy, by focusing on customer empowerment and self-determination. To contact DASAS call (800) 828-2023, seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Even if you don't know a victim personally, everyone is invited and encouraged to attend the Oct. 4 vigil and learn more about the devastating social problems affecting our families and communities.
Refreshments will be served following the event.