October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Domestic Violence Vigil: We Say No More
We Say NO MORE - that’s the theme for the Thursday, October 25th Napa Emergency Women’s Services Vigil at Veteran’s Memorial Park in downtown Napa. No More (or “No Más” in Spanish) is a nationwide campaign to bring awareness about Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. “We say No More: Together we can end domestic violence and sexual assault.”
In recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Napa Emergency Women’s Services (NEWS) will sponsor the event. The vigil is the culmination of the monthlong observance which is celebrated around the country by advocates, victim service providers, law enforcement, the judiciary, prosecutors and survivors in an effort to raise public awareness about domestic violence.
This year's vigil will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. concluding with a candlelight march. Information displays about services provided by NEWS will be available including information about the Kids Exposed to Domestic Violence (KEDS) program with activities for children. Another fun activity for all ages available is fingernail painting with “Purple With A Purpose” sponsored by O·P·I Nail Lacquer. The Phat Salads & Wraps food truck will also be participating at the event with a Dine & Donate.
“Domestic violence is not discriminating,” says Tracy Lamb, Executive Director at NEWS. “It can happen to anyone regardless of race, color, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or age, and it affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.”
“Napa Emergency Women’s Services (NEWS) believes that those who have become victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse have the power to strengthen and heal,” says Lamb. “Every day we bring respect, understanding, and resources to survivors, because we believe with kindness and support, we can create peaceful homes and a healthy community.”
Napa Emergency Women’s Services provides support and resources to over 1100 survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault each year. The 24 hour emergency crisis line, (707) 255-NEWS, receives over 800 calls per year, and nearly 100 women and children are housed at the emergency shelter in a year.
In the many vigils held in previous years, a survivor of domestic violence usually speaks. This year, following the “together” theme of the campaign, anyone who wishes to make a statement and fill in their personal comment of “I say no more because___________,” will be able to step up to the microphone, make their statement, and then sound a gong in memory or support of the victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
The public is invited to attend and join together as a community to send a message to all victims of domestic violence and sexual assault that they are not forgotten, that they are not alone, and that the community is here to do whatever it can to help them in the rebuilding of their lives.
The NEWS administrative office is at 1141 Pear Tree Lane, Suite 220, Napa, (707) 252-3687.