Survivors of domestic violence and their allies gathered at the steps of the Crown Point Courthouse on Tuesday for St. Jude House’s 24th Annual Candlelight Vigil. The ceremony honored those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault, and participants joined forces for a silent march towards Bulldog Park.
Many of the marchers carried signs that told parts of survivor stories, or that honored the courage of survivors and those who carry on the fight to stop the cycle of domestic violence. Bulldog Park itself was decorated by paper lanterns and shirts designed by St. Jude House clients, who each poured out a bit of their experiences to inspire others to take a stand.
“Unfair blame is often placed on the person being abused because of assumptions that victims choose to stay in abusive relationships,” said Ryan Elinkowski, Executive Director of St. Jude House. “Too many people will say, ‘Why doesn’t she just leave?’ You never hear, ‘Why does he abuse?’, Domestic violence is something we do not discuss enough.”
“It can boil down to three simple statements,” he continued. “You’re not alone. It’s not your fault. We are here to help.”
He introduced a variety of speakers from around the Region, each of whom offered their own perspectives on how to rally against domestic violence or support survivors. Speaker Maryam Afshar, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with Lake County SVU, noted that one in four women and one in seven men are victims of domestic abuse. Ellis Dumas III, Indiana DCS Regional Manager, highlighted the victims who all too often are unable to escape the cycle of abuse on their own - children.
“As a community, we have to continue to stand up,” said Ellis Dumas III, Indiana DCS Regional Manager. “We have to continue to fight for what’s in the best interests of our children. We have to show them that this is not normal; this is not what they want to or should have to deal with when they grow up to be adults.”
St. Jude House serves significantly more children than they do adults. They always look for ways to improve their children’s programming, and just recently installed a brand-new playground in their backyard.
“I had the opportunity as a police officer here in Crown Point to respond to domestic violence,” said David Uran, Crown Point Mayor. “We were fortunate to have a facility like St. Jude House here in the community to be able to provide resources and opportunities for people involved in domestic violence situations.”
From financial assistance, temporary housing, counseling, childcare, and many other groups and programs, St. Jude House strives to offer whatever help a survivor who walks through their doors might need. The final speaker, Darcy Fultz, was one of those survivors.
“I was terrified to even make the call, but when I did, it was like a whole new world of healing opened up to me,” she said. “My children and I love to come to St. Jude House still to this day, and I sometimes think it’s their second home. I’d also like to thank everyone who was up here supporting St. Jude House. I want you to know that you’ve made a difference in my life, my six children’s lives, and to the 13,000 people that have walked through the doors of St. Jude House.”
The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence, each attendee carrying a candle honoring the victims of domestic violence. To learn more about St. Jude House and their mission, please visit www.stjudehouse.org.