A moment of silence

Terry Amenell of Carthage, at left, led the service that included poems, one read by Kristin Kurelic, at right.

The candlelight vigil held in Carthage on Thursday, Oct. 2, closed with a moment of silence and remembrance for victims who did not survive their abusers. Terry Amenell of Carthage led the service.

Readings shared feelings of a person who had left an abuser to become a survivor; a person trapped and staying with an abuser; and a victim who did not survive her abuser.

The silouettes creating the back drop included one for each woman and child from Hancock County whose life was lost recently because of domestic abuse. An additional woman and child silouette represented all whose life ended but the abuser was not found or charged.

The event was organized by the Western Illinois Regional Council - Victim Services, recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

For help or information call WIRC Victim Services, 309/837-3941; or Tri-state Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Abuse, 319/524-8520 or their 24-hour hotline: 800/498-5095.