HARDWICK – AWARE will host a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m., Thursday, September 18, at the Hardwick Peace Park (located between The Civic Standard and Mike’s Service Center on S. Main St.) to honor survivors and remember victims of domestic and sexual violence.
This year’s vigil comes at a time when the Hardwick area has been deeply shaken by a series of domestic violence incidents. In recent months, the body of Hardwick woman ,Tina Lynn Daigle, was found in Woodbury, and Michael A. Williams, who had a history of domestic violence, was charged with her murder.
In Hardwick, Angela Torres was charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with another domestic case, and more recently, Zane Davison was arrested after threatening family members and damaging their home, one of several violent episodes linked to his history of abuse.
These tragedies underscore the prevalence of domestic violence in the Northeast Kingdom and the urgent need for prevention, support and community involvement.
“Domestic violence is not just a private matter, it affects families, children and the safety of the entire community,” said AWARE’s Interim Executive Director, Miranda Elkins. “We need to work together to break the cycle of violence and ensure survivors know they are not alone.”
The September 18 vigil will include readings of personal stories and poetry, community sharing and a display of AWARE’s Silent Witnesses, life-sized silhouettes bearing the names and stories of individuals whose lives were lost to violence. Among them will be a Silent Witness representing Tina Lynn Daigle, the most recent local victim.
“Neighbors and friends play an important role in prevention,” said Elkins. “Checking in on loved ones, listening without judgment, and encouraging people to connect with local resources can truly save lives.”
Statewide, the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence reports that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men in Vermont will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes, and nearly half of all homicides in Vermont are related to domestic violence.
AWARE, based in Hardwick, provides free and confidential services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, including a 24-hour hotline, emergency assistance, legal and medical advocacy, and support. These services are sustained through federal and state grants, as well as community support. With federal funding increasingly uncertain, community support is essential to keeping these critical services available here at home. Our neighbors depend on it.
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact AWARE at (802) 472-6463 or email [email protected]. Website: awareVT.org
Candles will be provided for the vigil and all community members are encouraged to attend and stand together to support and remember survivors, victims and their families.
