By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
More than 300 people attended the 14th Annual Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil Thursday at the Del Rio Civic Center.
Those attending the event came together event to honor the lives lost to domestic violence and to empower survivors. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and community members
Health and Human Resources members to display the resolution proclaiming October as
Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The resolution was presented at the 14th Annual
Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil on Thursday at the Del Rio Civic Center.
and domestic violence survivors who attended the event wore purple, the color for domestic violence awareness.
The event was organized by BCFS Health and Human Services, and was hosted by Eirin Isabel Albritton.
Pens, purple ribbons and food were provided at the entrance, and about a dozen informational booths were set up by local organizations providing information and resources on domestic violence awareness.
Claudia Lopez Cruz, Val Verde County sexual assault response team coordinator for BCFS, said this year’s vigil included Spanish speakers and voices offering “the doctor’s perspective” from the medical field.
The event started with Albritton introducing Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Krystal Miller Davis for an invocation.
Texas Rep. Eddie Morales Jr. (D-Eagle Pass) was in attendance and, along with Del Rio community leaders, presented the resolution recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Guest speaker Gonzalo Mauricio Vasquez Orozco, representative of the Guatemalan consulate in Del Rio, spoke next. Orozco said the unity of the Del Rio/Val Verde community promotes “dignity, respect and justice among people.”
After Orozco spoke, the Del Rio High School (DRHS) student groups and community leaders/members joined for the “Walk in their SHOES” portion of the event. Those who participated took shoes to the stage of the ballroom to honor the victims of domestic violence.
The next keynote speaker was Dr. Josephine V. Serrata, licensed psychologist from Austin and vice president of Latinos United for Peace and Equity, a nationwide organization addressing domestic violence. Serrata talked about her organization and the importance of Thursday’s event.
Halfway through the evening, those participating held a vigil for those who lost their lives to domestic violence. Plastic LED votive candles were lit up during the vigil, and DRHS students read the names of Texas victims who died after suffering abusive violence during the past year.
After the vigil, the Del Rio High School Dance Company presented a dance performance.
The two last guest speakers were Josefina Cardona, a survivor, and Claudia Quintanilla, healing coach and volunteer with BCFS. Cardona spoke about her 39-year experience with domestic violence and how she got help with BCFS.
The event ended with a closing prayer by Isabella Davis and closing remarks by Josue Venegas, Del Rio BCFS HHS Director.
Venegas said BCFS is “always a phone call away” to help individuals in need.
Todd Snyder, current president of BCFS, was in attendance at the vigil, and he said the Thursday event helps “bring awareness to domestic violence that runs across the state and nation.”
