2nd Annual Night of Remembrace Vigil

On Thursday, October 22, Women’s Center-Youth & Family Services will host its 2nd Annual “Night of Remembrance,” a vigil in memory of those who have been murdered in acts of domestic violence in San Joaquin County. The vigil will be held at Women’s Center-YFS’ main office from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and will be free and open to the public.

Life-sized red silhouettes, part of the Silent Witnesses National Initiative, will be displayed representing the individuals killed in acts of domestic violence in San Joaquin County over the past 20 years. The Silent Witness Exhibit provides a powerful visual testimonial to the sad reality of domestic violence and seeks to educate and motivate public support.

“We had a tremendous response to last year’s event. This is an opportunity for the community to come together to heal and remember those we’ve lost to domestic violence,” said Joelle Gomez, CEO of Women’s Center-YFS.

This year’s vigil will include a reading of the names of 70 local victims and a testimonial from a family member of a victim. Women’s Center-YFS welcomes family and friends of victims to attend, and encourages them to reach out to Women’s Center-YFS to find out how they can become involved in the vigil.

“We want the community to know that these weren’t just victims. They were mothers, sisters, daughters, sons, and friends. By honoring their memories, we hope to raise awareness about domestic violence and prevent future tragedies,” Gomez said.

October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month nationwide. In 2014, San Joaquin County law enforcement agencies received a total of 3,804 domestic violence related calls, and there were 2 domestic violence homicides committed in the county. Throughout the month of October, Women’s Center-YFS will be increasing its community outreach efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence and the programs and services offered by the organization.

Women’s Center-YFS is San Joaquin County’s only provider of free, confidential shelter and services specifically designed to meet the needs of homeless and runaway youth and victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Each year the agency serves more than 20,000 individuals through its direct services and community outreach, including more than 700 women, children and youth who stay in its shelters annually.

This year's vigil will include a reading of the names of 70 local victims. Women's Center-YFS welcomes family and friends of victims to attend, and encourages them to reach out to Women's Center-YFS to find out how they can become involved in the vigil.

Victims killed in acts of domestic violence in San Joaquin County

1994 to current

 
For more information about Women’s Center-YFS and its programs and services, including Domestic Violence Awareness month activities, please visit www.womenscenteryfs.org or call 209-941-2611.