Fairmont State hosts Light the Night Candlelight Vigil

In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Fairmont State University’s Student Psychological and Sociological Association is partnering with HOPE, Inc. to sponsor Light Up the Night Candlelight Vigil. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 24 at 7 p.m. It will begin at the first-floor entrance to the Education Building. The ceremony is intended to remember and reflect the lives devastated by violence in the home.

HOPE, Inc. is a non-profit, United Way agency which provides free and confidential services to victims of domestic violence in Marion, Harrison, Doddridge, Lewis and Gilmer counties. Services include shelter, court advocacy, a local 24-hour hotline (304-367-1100), counseling, children's program, information and referral and community education. Also, when a victim of sexual assault goes to Fairmont General Hospital for treatment, HOPE's Sexual Assault Victim Advocate will meet the individual at the hospital to provide support and advocacy.

 "Across the country we are seeing increased concern in 'relationship abuse' among college students," said Dr. Ann Shaver, a Psychology faculty member at Fairmont State. "The dynamics are very similar to what we see in regards to spousal abuse. These events help us better understand the devastating nature of abuse while more importantly providing the message of HOPE. Awareness is the first step in providing the support, empowerment and encouragement that may be needed -- whether we are helping to support a friend or whether we are beginning the courageous journey of addressing these issues in our own relationships."

For more information or assistance, call HOPE, Inc.'s 24-hour hotline at (304) 367-1100  or click here. 

HOPE Inc.