Roads to Peace
Domestic Violence Victim Remembrance
The prevalence of domestic violence is never lost on those who work every day to serve survivors. For others, it can be easy to dismiss domestic violence as a private matter and overlook its widespread prevalence. But chances are likely you know someone who is experiencing or has experienced violence by an intimate partner or family member, even if you aren’t aware of it happening. In fact, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. That’s why each year October is acknowledged as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness of domestic violence and what it is, how to recognize it, and what we can all do to collectively prevent it.
In Pennsylvania, we also dedicate the month of October to remember all of the victims whose lives were tragically cut short as a result of domestic violence. Last year in Pennsylvania, 112 women, children and men, ranging in age from under 1 to over 65, lost their lives to domestic violence. During the week of October 5, the State Capitol building lights will turn purple in memory of the 112 lives lost in 2019.
“The lighting of this candle is to honor and remember those who lost their lives to domestic violence, those who have survived, and those still struggling to break free…”
Justina Smith - Age 27
Jon S. Smith, Jr. - Age 10
Jennifer L. Smith - Age 6
Justin M. Smith - Age 4
Charlaine "Pickles" Shank - Age 37
Christopher Shank - Age 16
Bernon Shank, Jr. - Age 14
Ryan Shank - Age 3
Leon "Andy" Andrus, Jr. - Age 37
Neva J. Askey - Age 31
B.C. - Age unknown
Evaline E. Shilling - Age 59
Lori Ann Spangler - Age 35
Susan Cashner Copenhaver - Age 46
Tiffany Zimmerman - Age 21
Nancy Meixel - Age 61
Dusty M. Kleese - Age 31
Jodi Warshaw - Age 36
Kelley Jo Snyder - Age 34
All Unnamed Victims of Domestic Violence
Light the candle by clicking on the image
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