LIHU‘E — A large crowd gathered for a candlelight vigil Wednesday night to honor the victims and survivors of domestic violence, sex assault and teen dating violence. Sponsored by the YWCA of Kaua‘i, the annual vigil coincided with both Domestic
LIHU‘E — A large crowd gathered for a candlelight vigil Wednesday night to honor the victims and survivors of domestic violence, sex assault and teen dating violence.
Sponsored by the YWCA of Kaua‘i, the annual vigil coincided with both Domestic Violence Awareness month and the YWCA’s “Week without Violence.”
Following an hour of food, refreshments and socializing, participants poured into a crowded St. Michael and All Angels Church for the hour-long program.
Ilima Rivera opened the ceremony with a rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine” before YWCA Crisis Coordinator Pramala Spencer addressed the crowd, thanking them for joining in on what she described as a “solemn” occasion.
The theme for this year’s vigil was “Love that Hurts, Love that Heals.”
Spencer said domestic violence strips away a person’s self-worth and that it is not until that person reaches out that the healing process can begin.
“We really do believe that healing can occur,” YWCA Clinical Director Joan Luzney said.
In addition to song performances and speeches from local survivors of domestic violence, the YWCA honored the women in Hawai‘i who died last year as a result.
Last year, Hawai‘i saw two victims, which was lower than previous years, according to Relief Advocate Gretchen Quinn, who added that the number usually hovers around seven or eight.
Amy Kaufman, 40, of Waimea, O‘ahu, was shot to death in February by her estranged husband. The second victim, 35-year-old Celestial Cassman, was beaten to death by her boyfriend while on vacation in Ka‘anapali in September 2011.
The YWCA also honored Yu DeJarnette, who was killed in November 2006. Her husband was recently indicted for her murder.
“The movement is very happy that he is being charged,” said Diane Wada, co-director of the YWCA Women’s Shelter.
Wada said the key is awareness and standing up to domestic violence at every level.
Renee Lippman, co-director of the YWCA Women’s Shelter, said she was very pleased with this year’s candlelight vigil.
“I thought it was lovely,” she said. “It’s nice to see the community so involved.”
Wada agreed, saying each year the event takes on its own life.
“It’s always beautiful and poignant,” she said. “We want the community to have a deeper understanding.”
Those suffering from domestic violence are encouraged to contact the YWCA of Kaua‘i at 245-6362 or 245-4144.
• Chris D’Angelo, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 241) or lifestyle@thegardenisland.com.
