Cass County will observe National Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a candlelight vigil Oct. 1 at the Bonine House.

The Cass County Task Force on Family Violence, Domestic And Sexual Abuse Services (DASAS), Cass County Prosecutors Office, Cass County Department of Human services and council will hold their 21st annual Candlelight Vigil at 7 p.m.

The observance will take place at the Bonine House, at the corner of M-60 and Penn road in Vandalia. The theme of the observance is “Voices Against Violence.”

A special recognition will be held for those who have lost their lives to domestic violence and those who have survived. The one-hour observance will include brief comments from guest speakers, music, poems and most important, a candle lighting ceremony and the reading of names of victims who lost lives as a result of domestic violence.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served following the event. Also, guided tours of the historical Bonine house will be available upon request.

For more information about dates, times and location, call Rita Reed at (269) 273-6154 ext. 109

Domestic And Sexual Abuse Services (DASAS) is a non-profit organization serving domestic and sexual assault survivor 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/day.