Community members in Fremont gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor victims and survivors of domestic violence, raising awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, community members came together in Fremont for the Annual Candlelight Vigil. This event aimed to honor victims and survivors of domestic violence while raising awareness about prevention and healing.
The vigil was co-organized by Maitri, Narika Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments, and the North American Islamic Shelter for the Abused, in partnership with the Fremont Human Relations Commission. The gathering attracted advocates, service providers, survivors, city officials, and residents from across the Bay Area.
The evening commenced with a community walk, where participants carried posters emblazoned with powerful messages advocating for an end to domestic violence. Following the walk, survivors, advocates, and community leaders shared compelling stories of endurance, healing, and hope. These narratives served as a poignant reminder of the strength required to rebuild lives after abuse and the critical role of community support in breaking the stigma surrounding domestic violence.
The need for awareness and action remains urgent. According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), on a single day—September 4, 2024—79,088 survivors received services from U.S. domestic violence programs. Alarmingly, 14,095 requests for help went unmet due to a lack of resources.
The vigil also featured a moving program that included dance, music, poetry, and art. Each artistic expression reflected the pain of loss, the resilience of survival, and the hope for a future free from violence. The event concluded with a candlelight vigil and a collective pledge to stand with survivors and work together to end domestic violence.
Maitri, the organization behind the event, is a free, confidential nonprofit based in the San Francisco Bay Area. It primarily supports individuals and families from South Asia—including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives—who face domestic violence, emotional abuse, cultural alienation, or family conflict.
Maitri offers direct services such as crisis intervention, emotional support, and self-sufficiency programs. Additionally, the organization leads community education initiatives that promote healthy relationships and cultural responsiveness, aiming to build a safer and more respectful society.
For more information on domestic violence and homicide in South Asian communities, visit South Asian SOAR.
Source: Original article