COURT HOUSE — Cape May County Coalition Against Rape and Abuse (CARA) held a candlelight vigil to remember and honor all victims, particularly those who lost their lives to domestic violence, outside the entrance of Atlantic Cape Community College’s campus here the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Attendees donned violet, lilac and mauve for “Wear Purple Day,” to honor all victims and survivors of domestic violence.
CARA Director Kristen Bixby gave statistics of CARA services for Jan. 1 through Sept. 30. During that time, the organization answered 5,175 hotline calls, gained 263 new clients, handled 81 crisis responses, provided 1,218 shelter days, 3,100 counseling sessions and 949 victims sought information on legal rights.
“Domestic violence is very common. It’s sad because it affects children as they grow up and may take on similar abusive patterns,” said Juanita Battle, services supervisor, who has been with the organization since 1978, before it’s official incorporation in 1982.
“The vigil is to remember those we’ve helped, those who didn’t make it, and those we haven’t touched yet,” she said.
Georgia Dougherty, volunteer youth advocate and coordinator, said Cape May Kiwanis Club is a “huge” supporter of the coalition’s kids program through donations and volunteerism. The club takes children on hayrides, bowling, roller-skating and the like.
“The CARA kids program would not exist without the Cape May Kiwanis Club,” she said.
Wildwood Crest Patrol Officer Denise Holt explained how Wildwood Crest Police Department has developed a Domestic Violence Task Force “to protect victims and prosecute batterers.” She said the department has a domestic violence advocate on hand 24/7 and a private “comfy” room at the department for victims and their children.
“Wildwood Crest has a very proactive program,” Bixby said.
As Director of Health and Human Services, Freeholder Gerald M. Thornton promised the coalition continued county support.
“County government has always been very supportive of CARA because it is an organization absolutely needed to protect families at risk,” Thornton told attendees. “The real success of CARA is that it helps family units stay together.”
“The biggest obligation of government is to protect health, safety and welfare of citizens.”
This was CARA’s 11th annual vigil and the third time held at the college.
To end the service, attendees each blew out their candle and said words of remembrance.
“CARA cares for families. Love never hurts,” attendee Anne-Grace said.
For Domestic Violence Awareness Month, another vigil will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 28 at Lighthouse Deliverance Ministries Church, 215 Washington Ave. in Woodbine.
CARA can be contacted via mail at P.O. Box 774, Court House, 08210 or at (609) 522-6489. A toll-free 24/7 hotline is available at 1-877-294-2272.
Visit www.caracmc.org to for services and volunteer info.
Contact Truluck at (609) 886-8600 ext. 24 or at: ltruluck@cmcherald.com.
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