Community supports annual Domestic Violence Peace Walk and Vigil

The 26th annual Domestic Violence Family Peace Walk and Vigil, postponed from Oct. 17 because of Hurricane Iselle, was hosted Nov. 21 in Hilo.

More than 150 concerned community members, law enforcement and social service providers, HHS Leo Club members and others participated in the Family Peace Walk, sign-waving and vigil program.

The vigil included the Lighting of the Candle ceremony, during which the names of those lost to domestic violence were read by Hawaii Police Department Chief Harry Kubojiri and Hawaii Fire Department Battalion Chief Jerry Lum.

County Prosecutor Mitch Roth presented the Purple Ribbon Awards to those who dedicated their time and support to victims of domestic violence.

The 2014 Purple Ribbon awardees were Safeway Hilo and its employees who have supported services to victims of domestic violence for many years, and Hawaii County Councilmember Dennis “Fresh” Onishi for his commitment to addressing the issue of domestic violence on our island.

This event unites the community to honor those who lost their lives because of domestic violence and raise community awareness and advocacy during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The U.S. Congress designated October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month since 1989.

The theme, “lost.live.love,” remembers those who lost their lives to domestic violence, those who survived and live on after the abuse, and to encourage love and the end of domestic violence.

For more information about the Family Peace Walk and Vigil or about domestic violence services, contact Roxanne Aburamen of the County of Hawaii Office of the Prosecuting Attorney at 934-3345.