Listening and remembering at WSS vigil

KENT — Women’s Support Services hosted its annual candlelight vigil on Thursday, Oct. 17, in harmony with the national observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

Women’s Support Services (WSS), which is based in Sharon, serves the victims of domestic violence and abuse here in northwest Connecticut and surrounding areas. 

This year’s vigil took place indoors at Kent Town Hall. WSS Executive Director Betsey Mauro said that being indoors actually created “a more intimate and constructive atmosphere.” A very generous buffet provided by J.P. Gifford helped friends, new and old, socialize and relax.

Mauro welcomed the gathering, which was roughly 60 strong, with men, women and children of all ages. 

She went on to explain the hopes and mission of WSS: “To create a community free of domestic violence and abuse through intervention, prevention and education.”

Speaking of the victims, she added, “We have provided safe shelter when they needed to flee; a safe place to speak; we have been their voice in a system that doesn’t understand or care what they have been through; we stand with victims when others won’t; we believe victims when others don’t.”

First Selectman Bruce Adams gave a brief proclamation of support and a prayer was offered by the Rev. Ryan Gackenheimer. A touching remembrance of the 16 victims so far of domestic violence in 2019 in Connecticut was then read by Liz Davis and Virginia Gold. Men, women and children, ages 12 through 70, were remembered with the words “ I speak (his/her) name.” The gathering then responded with “ We remember (his/her) name.”

After a moment of reflective silence, the Hotchkiss School’s Calliope Chorus sang the Pentatonix version of “Run To You.”