S.A.F.E. to host domestic violence candlelight vigil Wednesday

Fifty-four domestic violence homicides have occurred across the state since January, according to the North Carolina Coalition against Domestic Violence.

Carolyn Fields, director of victim services for Safety from Abuse and Family Education in Lenoir County, said small towns are not immune to such violence.

“It takes a community to raise awareness, and that’s what we’re trying to do,” she said. “We’re trying to let people know that services are available to them and that domestic violence happens right here in our small town, not just in New York and California, but right here in Kinston, N.C.”

Fields said awareness will be the focus during a candlelight vigil to be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday inside Vernon Park Mall. S.A.F.E. hosts the event annually during October, which is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“We have a candlelight vigil to recognize the survivors of domestic violence and to honor those victims who have lost their lives because of domestic violence,” she said.

The program will last about one hour and will feature dancing, singing and expressions such as poems from community members who wish to share their experiences.

Eighth District Court Judge Beth Heath will be the guest speaker. Fields said S.A.F.E. invited Heath to address the audience based on her continuing advocacy for families.

S.A.F.E., a United Way agency serving Lenoir and Greene counties, will have a table set up during the event to distribute information about its services. Fields said the agency provides a 24-hour hotline, court advocacy, shelter, referral information, an abuser treatment program and empowerment classes for survivors.

Fields said it’s important for people to be aware of the prevalence of domestic violence.

“Every nine seconds a woman is beaten in the U.S., but domestic violence continues to be one of the most unreported crimes today,” she said. “I would encourage people to come out so they can find out what goes on in the community regarding domestic violence and see what services are offered.

“Everybody either knows a victim or has been a victim.”

Sarah Campbell can be reached at 252-559-1076 or scampbell@freedomenc.com.

By the numbers

400 — clients assisted

1,212 — nights of shelter provided to 107 victims of domestic violence

1,300 — crisis calls answered by S.A.F.E.

Note: All statistics from Lenoir County S.A.F.E. during 2008