The Domestic Violence Action Network of Kent County is hosting a vigil to honor domestic violence victims and survivors.
Micah Johnson is the director of DVAN. He told News 8 that the annual vigil will honor the people who died this year due to domestic violence in Michigan and that their names will be read out loud.
“Each year DVAN hosts a memorial vigil to honor the lives of all those who have died because of domestic violence in the state of Michigan,” he said. “This year, we estimate that at least 60 people lost their lives because of domestic violence.”
Organizer Gabrielle Dunai said that the vigil will give those affected by domestic violence a space to come together and be empowered with one another.
“As we all know, domestic violence is something that heavily impacts the state of Michigan,” she said.
“1 in 4 women nationwide and 1 in 7 men are impacted. They are our neighbors, our coworkers. Members of our faith community along with many individuals. Even in our friends and family that we might not know are impacted by domestic violence and to be able to have a space where we can not only remember those whose lives are lost, but be able to empower survivors and to educate the community on empath and domestic violence — it’s important to have that space,” Dunai added.
Dunnai, a survivor of domestic violence and gun violence, said she wants to be part of a change in the West Michigan community.
