Candlelight vigil held for domestic violence survivors - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Candlelight vigil held for domestic violence survivors

Posted: Updated:
DECATUR, Ga. -

A candlelight vigil in Decatur honored survivors of domestic violence on Thursday.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent, 30 percent of women in Georgia between the age of 14 and 44 have been a victim.

Each name and candle at the vigil represented a person killed this year in Georgia because of domestic violence.

For Tesiree Adams, it was emotional experience to hear all the women who didn't make it.

"I survived, I had a chance at life, and those ladies don't have a chance [any] longer," said Adams.

Parish Parker said that she was abused by her husband 13 years ago.

"My husband cut my throat with a meat cleaver. We were both stationed in Army in Texas…And then he fled, but he got hit by a 18-wheeler seven hours after he cut me," said Parker.

While each of the women have horrific stories to tell, they also have hope. They want Thursday's candlelight vigil to show other victims of domestic violence that there is help for them.

"I love what I do because I want to help people not have to go through what I experienced," said Parker.

Parker is now working for the Women's Resource Center to end domestic violence.

"There is a way out. Help is available. We get thousands of calls monthly. And we're willing to help," said Parker.

With each scar, she believes there's a story of redemption.

"I used to be scared; I used to wear turtlenecks all the time. But then I realized that I survived it. I lived through it, so so what if you see my scars," said Parker.

The Women's Resource Center to end domestic violence is in DeKalb County and they hold the vigil every year. Their 24-hour hotline number is 404-688-9436.

  • Local NewsLocal News

  • Thursday, May 23 2013 11:10 PM EDT2013-05-24 03:10:53 GMT
    AP photo
    Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested Thursday for allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building, police said. The troubled celebrity is also accused of throwing her "drug paraphernalia"
    Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested Thursday for allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building, police said. The troubled celebrity is also accused of throwing her "drug paraphernalia"
  • Thursday, May 23 2013 10:17 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:17:32 GMT
    New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
    New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
  • Thursday, May 23 2013 10:11 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:11:26 GMT
    An Edison, N.J., police officer was arrested and accused of setting fire to the home of a police captain in his department, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.
    An Edison, N.J., police officer was arrested and accused of setting fire to the home of a police captain in his department, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.
Powered by WorldNow
Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices