Family Crisis Center sends a message with Candlelilght Vigil
Colored T-shirts waved in the breeze of Thursday evening as The Family Crisis Center hosted the 20th annual domestic violence candlelight vigil at Centennial Park.
Each individual shirt was one of eleven colors which represented forms of domestic abuse from white representing those who have lost their lives to violence, to purple and lavender representing those who have been attacked for their sexual orientation.
Each shirt displayed a powerful message.
“I’m trapped inside a black and scary box. I need help to get out,” read an orange shirt signifying a survivor of rape and sexual assault.
A blue shirt representing a survivor of incest and sexual abuse read, “A rain drop just splashed on my forehead! It was like a tear from Heaven. Could it be that God is crying for that sad little girl still inside of me?”
As pamphlets were passed out, the first speaker of the night took center stage. Martha Flores, a City Council member, introduced herself to the crowd and revealed that she had once been a victim of domestic violence.
“I take a stand against domestic violence. From 1977 to 1984, I lived it. I was there,” Flores stated. “Domestic violence is awful and it affects every economy, culture and community.”
Applause rang out as Flores finished her introduction speech and the next speaker approached the microphone.
Betty Luna, the shelter director, shared some information and statistics about the effects of domestic violence on children.
“For too many children home is far from a safe haven. Every year hundreds to millions of children are exposed to domestic violence at home,” said Luna. “Children need a safe and secure home - free of violence - and parents that protect and love them.”
The Family Crisis Center’s newest executive director, Toni Dumont, was announced as the night’s special guest speaker. Dumont shared the emotional story of a young woman whose life was taken from her because of domestic violence. Dumont expressed that she wishes that young lady would have known that there are safe places to go when faced with difficult situations like domestic violence or abuse in the home.
“At the crisis center we want everyone to know that they have a place to go,” Dumont stated. “They have a place where trained counselors will listen without judgement and help them make decisions. There is a place where they can feel safe and get help to transition to a life without violence.”
Hand held candles were passed out as hosts Jenna Marquez and Andrea Morales read the names of those who have passed from domestic violence this year. Each person in attendance turned to the others next to them and passed the flame of their candle to light their neighbors wick. Soon, over 50 candles were burning bright against the setting sun.
A moment of silence fell over the crowd as the list of names ended. As candles were blown out and recollected, audience members began to gather their items. Some of those in attendances visited the booths that were set up around the premises. The Tulare County District Attorney’s office and The Family Crisis Center were passing out information to those who would take it and encouraged people to let others know that there are resources available to them.
The Family Crisis Center is located at 211 N. Main Street. For more information, call (559) 7817462.