Local domestic violence awareness groups gathered on Wednesday, Oct. 8, to mark National Domestic Violence Awareness mMonth. Co-hosted by Narika, Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments (SAVE), Maitri and the North American Islamic Shelter for Abused (NISA), the 4th Annual Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil was held in the Plaza area of the Fremont Downtown Event Center from 5:30 to 8pm.
Various organizations were there with tables, banners and information. Chai tea and samosas were offered to attendees. Every organization attending had a mission to stop domestic violence and offer help to those who are being abused. Other organizations at the event included Moms Demand Action, The Hume Center and Damsel in Defense.
Organizations also gave away freebies like pens, stress balls and bookmarks. Although the event was about a serious issue, the Downtown Plaza was filled with people chatting, smiling and laughing—just happy to be together for a good cause. At one table with boards and markers, people made posters for the Domestic Violence Awareness Walk.
“It’s really important for us to have a very visible presence and message to say we are here, we are supportive, we are funded and we are here to bring resources and you’re not alone,” said Narika executive director Shailaja Dixit. “Because one of the biggest things that happen to survivors is that they feel isolated.”
There was a walk for domestic violence awareness to show support for survivors and those who died because of domestic violence. After the walk everyone sat down for the speaker portion of the event.
Fremont district 2 councilmember Desrie Campbell spoke as a domestic violence survivor. “I came to California because I was a victim of domestic violence. I had two small kids, and no family, no friends. So I was here all alone by myself. But, when we talk about resilience and we talk about hope, and we talk about wanting the very very best for oneself and one’s family, I had that resolve,” she said.
Emphasizing that abuse can happen to anyone, Campbell said, “I can stand here before you today, free from a life of domestic violence, free from a life of being talked to like I was nothing, and hit, and beat, and all those other things. And so, that’s why I’m standing with you today, as a survivor and wanting my life to be a testament to others that it can happen to you as well.”
NISA resident coordinator Sumera Siddiqui spoke about those who are affected by domestic violence. “Domestic violence is not a private matter to be hidden behind closed doors, it is a social issue. A community crisis, and it requires a united, collected, response from all of us. DV (domestic violence) is a widespread issue,” said Siddiqui.
“A repeated pattern of abuse, behavior used by one person to gain control of another one. It takes many forms. It can be physical, sexual, emotional, financial, psychological and most increasingly technological,” continued Siddiqui.
The event wrapped up with an open mic session for anyone who wanted to come up and speak and a candlelight vigil.
