Take Back the Night vigil set for Oct. 8

A candlelight ceremony is planned for 6 p.m. Oct. 8 in Jambalaya Park to remember victims of rape, murder or domestic violence in the Capital area.

The Capital Area Family Violence Intervention Center’s Battered Women’s Program is hosting the Take Back the Night vigil, one of many to be held in the eight parishes served by the center, a news release from Audrey Wascome, the program’s interim director, states.

“Every month in our community, a woman is killed because of domestic violence,” Wascome said.

“I think the real horror of domestic violence is that the women and children are injured or murdered by what should be a protective hand.

“So it is up to the community to provide protection from these secret crimes when the victims reach out for help,” Wascome said.

Prior to the program, she said, there will be activities for children and information for adults. Refreshments will be provided.

Speakers will include survivors of battery and rape.

The mission of CAFVIC is to end domestic violence in the Capital Area through quality services, community education and social change.

The agency’s shelter program provides a safe haven for many women yearly and their children. The crisis line helps more than 1,400 women and men survivors with assessments, safety planning, and information and referrals.

All services to survivors of domestic violence are free, she said.

The program is supported through grants and donations.