A small crowd attended the domestic violence candlelight vigil Tuesday, Oct. 11 at Treasure Valley Community College.
In the community

Project DOVE vigil remembers victims of domestic violence

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ONTARIO – Statistics show that on average about 15 people a minute in the United States are abused by an intimate partner.

It is a sobering statistic and as part of October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Project DOVE held a candlelight vigil Tuesday, Oct. 11 at Treasure Valley Community College to remember those who have been lost to intimate partner violence.

The vigil was hosted by the local domestic violence shelter and featured several speakers, including Malheur County District Attorney Dave Goldthorpe and Lt. James Swank of the Ontario Police Department. Project DOVE Executive Director Terry Basford also spoke.

Student choirs from the Nyssa School District furnished music.

Malheur County District Attorney Dave Goldthorpe urged the crowd at the candlelight vigil Tuesday, Oct. 11, to never forget the victims of domestic violence. (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)
Around the perimeter of the vigil stood signs guarded by shoes and candles that showcased stories of tragedy linked to domestic violence. (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)
Each story proved to be poignant and tragic. (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)
Often domestic violence can be viewed as a challenge chiefly for one gender but intimate partner violence knows no boundaries. (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)
Choir students from Nyssa High School entertained the crowd at the candlelight vigil. (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)
Terry Basford, executive director for Project DOVE outlined the success her organization has achieved to address domestic violence. (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)
Ontario Police Department Lt. James Swank told the crowd nearly 40% of people in Oregon will face some type of intimate partner violence in their lifetime. (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)

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