Domestic Violence Vigil Held at Frankfort Square

COLUMBUS, Neb. - Dozens gathered at Frankfort Square on Wednesday to remember all those lost to domestic violence. The vigil in Columbus was led off by a proclamation from Mayor Jim Bulkley, officially deeming October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The annual vigil was a slight change for the Center for Survivors, who hosted the event, changing the ceremony from the evening to the noon hour. "This is the first time that we've done it during the day, usually it's an evening event and I think this did bring more of a crowd," says Center for Survivors Executive Director Lia Grant. During the event, a domestic violence victim spoke about her experience with her ex-husband. From there, Center for Survivors employees named 86 individuals from Nebraska who have recently died from domestic violence over the past decade. White paper bags were also placed on stage honoring those lost. The ceremony closed with a balloon release, while high school students sang for the crowd to enjoy. "This was my first vigil, so it was great to be a part of it," says Grant.