GREENE COUNTY — A local community gathered for a candlelight vigil to spread awareness of domestic violence on Monday night.
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As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, Violence Free Futures hosted the vigil at the Greene Town Square at 6 p.m.
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On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States, according to the domestic violence hotline.
Anna Porter, a prevention coordinator with the organization, shared one woman’s story. She spent time in their safe house more than 30 years ago.
“Over 35 years ago, I found myself homeless, alone, and destitute in a parking lot. Lost and alone, I couldn’t imagine a future for myself,” Porter said.
That woman had planned to share her own story, but Celeste Hurley, executive director of the organization, said she got too nervous.
“But really asked that we honor her story tonight,” Hurley said.
“When I was 9, my best friend’s father began molesting me. The trauma was devastating. It shattered my precious relationship with my best friend and altered the lives of our two families forever,” Porter said.
In her story, the woman detailed two other times she was raped.
Then explained how she got caught up in physically abusive relationships.
“After that I began to blame myself. My actions, my choices, my very being for why these things kept happening,” Porter said.
She was desperate and reached out to Violence Free Futures.
At that time, it was called the Greene County Domestic Violence Center.
“For the first time in years, I felt safe,” Porter said.
That woman said she is in a better place. But at times, she still feels the violence was her fault.
Hurley said she wants everyone to know they have support this domestic violence awareness month.
“Survivors are not alone, and that’s what the candles are really representing. That we’re all trying to light a way for people that maybe don’t feel like they can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Hurley said.
Violence Free Futures has a 24/7 help hotline that is also available through text at (937) 426-2334.
If you’re looking for help, they have information on their website.
A new feature was recently added called the “escape button.” It redirects computer browsers to another webpage in case someone looks through a person’s search history.
News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.
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