Purple pinwheels were on display at the vigil to represent each  unduplicated client that C.A.R.E. assisted  from Jan. 1, 2017 – Dec. 31, 2017.

C.A.R.E. Advocate Teresa Morehouse speaks to the attendees of the Candlelight Vigil Wednesday, October 10, at the Atchison County Courthouse in Rock Port.

Advocates and community members, like Gloria Graves above, spoke at the vigil. Several poems were read, including one titled  “We Have a Choice” about choosing to help others in need. There was also a proclamation read, officially recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness month in Atchison County.

C.A.R.E. of Atchison County hosted a vigil in re-cog-nition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month to show support to the victims of domestic violence. On October 10, 2018, advocates, survivors, family and friends gathered at the Atchison County Courthouse.

In 2017, C.A.R.E. provided 100 women, 49 children and 18 men services for crisis intervention. Support services were provided to over 2,800 individuals last year, including 251 hours of counseling with licensed professional counselors. Advocates also provided community presentations throughout the year to nearly 300 people, educating them on the importance of crisis intervention and the services that C.A.R.E. provides.

Recognizing domestic violence is important because of the amount of people in need of support services. It is the hope of C.A.R.E. advocates that by talking about it openly and showing support with events like the vigil, more people will be aware of the presence of domestic violence and the ways that they can help those in need.