Yes, domestic abuse happens in our community among all backgrounds, in both wealthy and modest neighborhoods.  It is the silent secret our neighbors are battling each day. Bringing awareness helps support victims and increases the possibility of intervention to stop the violence and abuse.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and once again Rachel Coalition along with partnering local agencies will be hosting the fourth annual Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil, on Thursday, October 11, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Livingston Memorial Oval in Livingston. This event raises awareness of domestic violence in both the urban and suburban communities and educates the community on the services Rachel Coalition and other local agencies offer to victims. 

What is domestic violence? It can be physical abuse that leads to tragic situations. Most often it starts as isolation, withholding of money, verbal, sexual, emotional and or psychological abuse that is not seen by others. All of these forms of abuse leave the victim and in many cases, the children, with deep emotional bruises that need to be healed. Raising awareness of warning signs, educating our youth and adults of the warning signs and what healthy relationships are,  will help us break the cycle of domestic abuse.

Rachel Coalition, a division of Jewish Family Service serving Morris, Essex and parts of Hudson County, has planned this event with local community partners, Safe House of Essex County, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and Family Justice Center of Newark. The program includes a musical performance by Soulfege A Cappella of Millburn High School. Along with our organizers, political leadership, local law enforcement, DV response team members and clergy of multiple denominations will be present to honor the victims and survivors.

Your attendance is greatly appreciated. The larger the crowd, the stronger the voice we make as a community showing that we, too, acknowledge the need to shine a light on domestic abuse and support our neighbors.

We hope to see you at the vigil.