Published: October 05, 2009 11:46 pm         

Vigil for victims: Dozens gather to continue fight against domestic abuse

TERRE HAUTE — Dozens gathered at Terre Haute’s City Hall on Monday evening, lighting candles and releasing balloons, as the names of domestic abuse victims were read aloud.

In the crowd, Rosie Myers of West Terre Haute stood with a balloon in one hand and a picture of her grandson, Michael Nichols, in another. Michael was 11 months and five days old when he died at the hands of his mother’s boyfriend in Parke County.

“I’m just glad they do stuff like this,” she said as candles were passed around, “so people don’t forget how cruel people are. They need better laws for these people. A lot stronger than what they get.”

Since 1985, 28 Vigo County residents have died in situations of domestic violence, according to Susan Hall.

The executive director of the Council of Domestic Abuse, Hall said October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the annual candle vigil outside City Hall kicks off a series of programs aimed at raising awareness.

So far, the effort seems to be having an impact.

Vigo County hasn’t had a domestic violence-related death since 2008, she said, noting that’s a slowing of pace. Indiana suffered 65 such deaths last year, but 75 the year before, she added.

“But the shelters were more full,” she said, attributing a correlation between the data sets and awareness of escape options.

Among other activities, CODA is working in schools, trying to help identify potential abusers at a young age while helping victims.

“Prevention is much easier than intervention,” she said.

Vigo County Prosecutor Terry Modesitt addressed those gathered, noting that he recognized many from previous cases. Situations involving murdered children and beaten spouses are tough all around, he said.

“Believe me, when you hurt, we hurt,” he said, noting that he came as a Christian first and foremost.

Hall and Modesitt said the vigil is both testament and celebration to and of lost lives, with hope for change to come.

Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.