Candlelit walk at Hanson Pines highlights Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Posters meant to empower domestic violence victims were recently affixed to the fencing around the Spaulding High School football field. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The Strafford County Family Justice Center, in collaboration with HAVEN and the Rochester Recreation Department, is hosting Path to HOPE on Oct. 21 at 6 p.m.; a guided candlelit walk to honor the voices of survivors and victims' during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The event seeks to remember those we've lost, honor their memory and the stories of those who have survived, and to connect victims and survivors in the community. Participants will be provided with battery operated candles and join us on a walk through Dominicus Hanson Pines Forest in Rochester.

Participants will meet at the entrance to the forest nearest the public pool.

Immediately following the walk, the Family Justice Center will be open for tours and support for attendees. Recent news coverage of a high-profile disappearance and murder of a young blogger has triggered a national discussion about the prevalence of domestic violence in our society.

The Strafford County Family Justice Center believes that survivors know what they need and are an important part of this conversation. We also know that our collaboration among law enforcement and social service agencies is a model that works to increase safety for the community and survivors, while increasing accountability for people who do harm.

If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence you can access support 24/7 by calling HAVEN's crisis hotline at 603-994-SAFE (7233) or NH Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence Statewide Crisis Hotline at 1-866-644-3574. For more information on how to support the Strafford County Family Justice Center, please visit our website at www.scjfc.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.