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CAMP HILL -- Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland & Perry Counties will hold its annual Candlelight Vigil Oct. 15 to remember local women and children who have lost their lives to domestic and intimate partner violence.
The free event will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Camp Hill Borough Building, 2145 Walnut St., and is open to the public. The vigil is held each October as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
This year's event will feature author Robert Attaway, who will share the story of his late mother. The Silent Witness Exhibit, representing 18 victims from Cumberland and Perry counties, will also be on display.
A community reception will follow the candle-lighting ceremony.
The organization said the event is intended to honor those who have died, recognize survivors and bring attention to the continuing impact of domestic violence in the region.
According to the organization, Pennsylvania recorded 99 domestic violence-related deaths last year. Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland & Perry Counties served 1,330 clients during the past year and reported increased demand for many of its free programs and services.
The organization provided 6,732 nights of emergency shelter to 99 adults and 92 children. Advocates also responded to 1,850 hotline calls and 2,421 text messages.
Of those calls, 316 were identified as involving a high risk of death following lethality assessments conducted by police.
Staff also assisted with 425 Protection from Abuse orders and 43 Letters of Warning and provided more than 2,800 hours of counseling.
Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland & Perry Counties is a nonprofit organization serving people experiencing violence in their homes. Services include emergency shelter, a 24-hour toll-free hotline, crisis counseling, individual and group counseling, legal and medical accompaniment, referrals, training and public education.
For more information about the vigil or available services, call 717-258-4806.