ODESSA, Texas — With October being domestic violence awareness month, it is important to shine the spotlight on the fight against DV. 20 West Texans who lost their lives to domestic violence over the last three years were honored Thursday night in front of loved ones.
Safe Place of the Permian Basin and Crisis Center of West Texas put together the vigil as those lost are not forgotten.
In the fight against domestic violence, the faces of victims allowed loved ones to grieve and others to show respect.
"Just to let the families know that we care, we’re here and that we’re all in this fight together," said Judy Drury, a licensed professional counselor and program director at Safe Place of the Permian Basin.
Drury's organization is one that serves those in need of support in domestic violence situations.
“We’re here to help," Drury said. "Safe place has many services to help victims and offenders, so it’s very important to shine the light – that we don’t forget that this is a very, very serious subject.”
A serious subject that creates barriers for victims, says Alejandra Ramirez.
“First of all, I mean, just getting out of the situation where they’re in – getting out of that abusive relationship – having to maybe to find a new home, a new job, transportation; I just feel like, in that situation there [are] so many barriers that (are) present," Ramirez said.
Ramirez is the prevention education director with the Crisis Center of West Texas, another service for domestic violence.
“We provide case management, we have a shelter, we have a 24/7 hotline, case management, legal services and then what we do with prevention as well," Ramirez said.
Thursday night's candlelight vigil was also a reminder that the fight against domestic violence continues.
“Considering domestic violence can be very isolated, secret, embarrassment, shame – those kinds of feelings sometimes go along with it for the victim – I think it’s very impactful and very important, regardless of the time of the year, for people to know you’re not alone, you can break the silence and you can come forward," Drury said.
Ramirez noted that this month allows them to bring awareness to domestic violence and how it is impacting our communities closely. Both Ramirez and Drury emphasized that Safe Place and the Crisis Center are here to help those in need.