The message was clear – for those suffering in a domestic violence situation, you are not alone. Dozens gathered at Lakeside Park’s Chapel in the Pines to share stories of triumph, loss and hope at the YWCA’s candlelight vigil, recognizing October being Domestic Violence Awareness month. 

Survivors were present, sitting alongside some who were currently seeking refuge in the YWCA’s Our Place shelter. 

“We put this event together to recognize victims who have lost their life and celebrate those who are working to get out of a violent situation,”Jaszmin Brown of the YWCA said. “We want to empower ladies and show them that there is a next step and there are people who will help them take that step.”

One victim chose to tell her story of how Our Place helped her reclaim her life. Tami Allen is just one of the thousands of women the shelter has helped since it opened in 2009.

“I had to get myself out of a domestic violence situation – a marriage of 20 years,”Allen said. “I was at Our Place and received counseling, food and shelter. But most importantly, support. I have been living on my own now for three months and I could not have done it without Our Place. I am a survivor.” 

Support is something that the Our Place staff hopes to offer to anyone seeking shelter inside their walls. 

“Leaving is the hardest part for these women, but it’s the most important part,”Brown said. “These women are scared and we want to show them that there is an entire community behind them as they take that step.” 

Hosting events like the candlelight vigil helps victims to see the people who stand with them and support them, according to YWCA leaders. The event is a chance for attendees to show support but also to be reminded that domestic violence is all around. 

“This issue resonates deeply with our community because most people either know a victim or have been a victim,”said Vernetta Bowman, rural domestic violence services coordinator for the YWCA. “The context of these relationships can be very complex, so having access to support can be the difference between life or death.” 

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

“Our goal is to increase awareness and decrease tragedies,”Bowman said. “We will support and guide victims to a better life; all they have to do is call.” 

If you are in a domestic violence situation and looking for help, YWCA leaders encourage you to call the YWCA’s 24-hour crisis hotline at (205) 322-4878 or the statewide crisis hotline at 1-800-650-6522.