YWCA Central Alabama will host a candlelight vigil in honor of domestic violence victims at 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 24, at Chapel in the Pines in Lakeside Park in Pell City. The vigil is open to the public.

October is the 30^th Anniversary of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a national initiative to honor those who have lost their lives, celebrate survivors and educate the public about this senseless crime. Last year in Alabama, 43 people lost their lives to domestic violence homicides.

“Our goal is to increase awareness and help victims start new lives free from abuse,” said Vernetta Bowman, rural domestic violence services coordinator for the YWCA. “We want victims to know that help is available.”

The YWCA operates Our Place, an emergency domestic violence shelter in St. Clair County. The agency also offers services such as legal assistance, court advocacy, support groups, and assistance with housing and employment. Ongoing outreach programs help individuals learn how to recognize and react to abuse. 

The statistics show that the need for these supportive services is great: 

• In 2016 alone, St. Clair County saw 599 domestic violence offenses, including rapes and assaults.
• Domestic violence accounted for 18 percent of all violent crimes in Alabama in 2016.            
• Last year, 2,366 people received help after calling the YW’s 24-hour Crisis Hotline.
• Nationally, four women lose their lives each day at the hands of an intimate partner. 

If you or someone you know needs help, call the YWCA’s 24-hour Crisis Hotline at 205-322-4878 or the Statewide Crisis Hotline at 800-650-6522.