Wet weather forces domestic violence vigil to move indoors
Scattered showers throughout the day in Las Cruces forced organizers to move La Casa’s annual domestic violence candlelight vigil indoors, a receptionist confirmed to ABC-7.
The vigil will be held at the Las Cruces City Hall at 6 p.m. Because candles are not allowed in city hall, organizers will use cell phone lights, an organizer confirmed.
“Domestic violence is still a hidden epidemic,” said Pat Acosta, supportive services director for La Casa. “We say that because a lot of people who are experiencing it often times don’t walk to talk about it.”
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. La Casa’s annual event brings the local community together to remember and honor victims of domestic violence.
“Society tends to judge the victim (and) question, ‘Why does she stay? ‘Why doesn’t she leave?'” Acosta said. “By coming and having events like this, it allows us the opportunity to educate our community.”
Expect ABC-7’s live coverage at the vigil on ABC-7 at 6.
La Casa is a shelter can accommodate 82 people, Acosta said. The shelter is full 80% of the year and welcomes donations and volunteers year-round. La Casa also has counseling, programs for children and legal advice.
“There is help out there,” Acosta said. “It all depends when a person says, ‘I have a problem.’
La Casa’s 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence is 575-526-9513.
