Tri-County Community Action Agency, Inc. hosted a candlelight vigil at the courthouse lawn in Charlotte Court House Monday night.

The vigil was held to bring awareness to domestic violence in the community.

According to Director of Emergency Services Kim Carson, since January 2017, the agency has provided services to 31 victims of abuse in Charlotte County.

During the ceremony, four candles were lit to remember the victims of domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women, more than car accidents, muggings and rapes combined,” said Carson.

She said in the United States, a woman is assaulted or beaten every nine seconds. Additionally, 1 in 7 men have experienced domestic violence.

Regional Victim Advocate for Department of Corrections Cheryle Parrish said October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

She said individuals need to make sure they have conversations about the topic because domestic violence affects everyone.

“In Charlotte County there have been 53 domestic violence calls reported, 29 arrests made, along with numerous protective orders,” said Parrish.

At the end of the program, each attendee received a special gift of an angel wing that represents the victims of domestic violence. “Attached to it, it has a teddy bear and the teddy bear represents the children,” said Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault case manager Cheryl Brogdon. “I want to thank you for coming out, thank you for your support.”

Tri-County Community Action Agency, Inc. serves the counties of Charlotte, Halifax, Mecklenburg and Lunenburg.

According to the agency’s website, the mission of the nonprofit organization is “to assist, support and provide a full range of resources and programs for low to moderate income individuals and families, as well as domestic violence victims, that will give them the opportunity to improve the quality of life for themselves, their families and their communities.”

For more information, visit https://www.tricountyvirginia.com.