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Remember, encourage and celebrate. That’s the purpose of the annual Domestic Violence vigil in LaGrange.

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Harmony House Domestic Violence Shelter and the Troup County Domestic Violence Task Force will host their annual Candle Light Vigil on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 6:30 p.m. on Lafayette Square in LaGrange.

The event aims to remind people stuck in abusive relationships that there is help that they’re not and that there is help and support available. It’s also in memory of those who have lost lives to domestic violence.

“The vigil is to remember those that lost their lives due to domestic violence, and to celebrate the ones that have been able to get out of it and survive,” said Michele Bedingfield, Executive Director of Harmony House. “We also want to encourage those that haven’t left yet. We realize that there may be some who are still in those abusive relationships, so we let them know that they’re not alone.”

Bedingfield said ending domestic violence is going to take everyone’s efforts, not just the victims, not just Harmony House and the Domestic Violence Task Force. Everyone.

For most, the biggest way to help is learning how to recognize the signs of unhealthy relationships and having conversations with the person who’s being abused. Abuse doesn’t always have to be physical. It can be emotional, it can be mental, or it can be verbal.

While many might say they don’t want to get involved or think it’s not my business, stepping in can save a life. Each year, the names of the people in Georgia who died because of domestic abuse over the last year are read aloud.

According to the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, in 2023, Georgia had 163 domestic violence deaths.  

In almost every domestic violence fatality, someone knew of the abuse. 

“They didn’t do anything because they were uncomfortable with it, or didn’t do something because they were afraid for their own safety,” Bedingfield said. “So if you know of someone that’s being abused, stand up and say something or reach out to Harmony House, and we’ll be more than happy to help you through that conversation, or we can reach out to that person individually.”