LAKEVILLE, Conn. — Project SAGE invites the community to gather on Thursday, Oct. 8, for its annual Community Vigil in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time to acknowledge the realities of domestic abuse. It is also an opportunity to honor survivors, strengthen understanding and come together around the hope and social change needed to create safer communities. Project SAGE’s Community Vigil strengthens this acknowledgement through people showing up for one another, from conversations that create greater understanding, and from a community committed to meaningful change.
The evening will begin at 6:15 p.m. with the Red Sand Project at Community Field, 10 Sharon Road in Lakeville. Participants will then join a Remembrance Walk to Project SAGE at 13A Porter Street, where the Community Vigil will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a reception.
The vigil will include a reading of the names of those whose lives have been lost to domestic violence, along with remarks from members of Project SAGE and the community. “The vigil is a time to remember those whose lives have been lost and to honor survivors, but it is also about why we continue this work,” said Virginia Gold, LCSW, director of client services at Project SAGE, “Ultimately we want to create change in the way people understand domestic violence, the way we respond to it, and the attitudes and behaviors that allow it to continue. That is how we begin to build safer communities.”
The Community Vigil is part of Project SAGE’s broader Domestic Violence Awareness Month efforts. Throughout October, Project SAGE will continue to bring these ideas together through community partnerships, conversations and education.
The annual Community Vigil is open to everyone. Community members are encouraged to bring family and friends and join Project SAGE in an evening of remembrance, hope and community.
Project SAGE provides confidential, local and free support to individuals and families affected by domestic violence, along with education and prevention programs that help build healthier relationships and safer communities.
For confidential support, call 860-364-1900.
