Candlelight Vigil for Domestic Violence Awareness at UA Oct. 19

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama Women’s Resource Center, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Panhellenic Association and Interfraternity Council will sponsor a candlelight vigil at Denny Chimes on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 6 p.m. in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Students will light candles to remember victims of domestic violence and pledge to continue the fight against domestic violence. The chimes will ring once for each dating and domestic violence victim who received service from the Women’s Resource Center in 2004.

Organizers expect more than 500 students to attend the event.

Members of NPHC, Panhellenic and IFC, along with the Women’s Resource Center will lead the service. “Everyone can play a role in calling for the social change necessary to stop the violence,” said Elle Shaaban-Magana, WRC assistant director.

“Last year the Women’s Resource Center served 46 victims of dating/domestic violence from the University. We know that dating violence exists on our campus. We must be committed to create safe communities and hold perpetrators accountable,” said Shaaban-Magana.

Domestic Violence is a serious crime that affects people of all races, ages and income levels; it affects both men and women. Each year, approximately 3.3 million children witness violence by family members against their mother or female caretaker. Forty percent of teenage girls report knowing someone their age who has been hit by a boyfriend, and every nine seconds a woman is beaten, according to information from the WRC.

Members of the University and Tuscaloosa communities are invited to attend the vigil. For more information, contact the WRC at 205/348-5040.