The public is encouraged to participate in the 29th annual Domestic Violence Family Peace Walk and Vigil on Oct. 27 in Hilo.
The public is encouraged to participate in the 29th annual Domestic Violence Family Peace Walk and Vigil on Oct. 27 in Hilo.
Participants will assemble at 4 p.m. near the King Kamehameha Statue at Wailoa River State Recreation Area followed by sign waving along Kamehameha Avenue.
At 4:25 p.m., the peace walk will start and proceed up Pauahi Street, around the Hale Kaulike courthouse and end at the Aupuni Center. For those who prefer not to walk, other participants will be sign-waving starting at 4 p.m. along Kilauea Avenue.
The vigil will start at 5 p.m. at the Aupuni Center and will include the presentation of the mayor’s proclamation, a lighting of the candle ceremony and purple ribbon presentations to those who have dedicated their time and support to victims of domestic violence.
Organizers said the event unites the community to recognize those who lost their lives because of domestic violence and to raise community awareness and advocacy during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, mental, financial and sexual abuse by an intimate partner against another. It results in physical injury, psychological trauma and sometimes death. The consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime.
The theme, “lost.live.love.,” remembers those who lost their lives to domestic violence, those who survived and live on after the abuse, and to encourage love and the end of domestic violence.
For more information, contact the Victim Assistance Unit of the Hawaii County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney at 934-3306 or Child and Family Services at 935-2188.