Vigil Honoring Domestic Violence Victims In Somerset County To Be Held Wednesday

SOMERVILLE, NJ — Candles and kites will brighten the night Wednesday to honor victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Safe + Sound Somerset is hosting their annual vigil for Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Somerset County Courthouse Green (20 N. Bridge Street). Rain date is Thursday, Oct. 10.

The event will include music, mingling, activities, resource tables, gathering blessing, community speakers, and moments for memories.

Everyone is welcome. Free entry. Blankets and lawnchairs are welcome.

Safe + Sound Somerset offers 24/7 assistance to survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Domestic abuse is an epidemic affecting individuals in every community, irrespective of age, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, economic status or nationality. It is accompanied by a pattern of abusive behaviors that are used to gain or maintain power and control over a partner; physical violence, sexual assault, financial control, threats, intimidation, isolation and verbal abuse are some of the methods an abusive partner uses to gain control.

Some examples of abusive behaviors:

• Embarrassing or shaming the victim with insults or mockery.
• Controlling who the victim sees or talks to, where they go and what they do.
• Keeping the victim away from friends and family members.
• Intimidating victims with weapons or physical restraints.
• Threatening to hurt or kill the victim, family, friends, children or pets.
• Pressuring or forcing sexual actions and refusing to use protection.
• Pressuring or forcing the use of drugs or alcohol.
• Destroying property.
• Harassing the victim at the workplace.
• Stalking.

For more information on Safe+Sound Somerset visit safe-sound.org. If you or someone you know needs help, call or text the Safe+Sound 24-hour, confidential hotline at 866-685-1122.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.