Domestic violence and faith in God
30 attend candlelight vigil
By Midge Ingalls Endeavor News

Less than three weeks away, everyone's trying to reason with election season.

About 30 people gathered at the courthouse square gazebo in Coudersport Monday night for a candlelight vigil to raise awareness of domestic violence.

Participants paused to remember victims who have been killed as a result of domestic violence, as well as victims who are attempting to rebuild their lives after surviving abuse. It was also a show of support for those who dedicate their lives to helping them.

A Way Out sponsored the vigil in observance of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Religious faith was an overriding theme of Monday's ceremony. Freda Fultz, executive director of A Way Out, drew attention to the chimes that were ringing out from the Presbyterian Church at 7:00 p.m. as the ceremony opened to the strains of "Jesus the Healer."

Father Elaine Silverstrim, vicar of the Christ Episcopal Church of Coudersport and All- Saints Episcopal Church of Brookland, described the various women in scriptures who were victims of domestic violence.

About 30 people paused Monday night to remember the victims of domestic violence and to show their support for those who help the survivors, including staffers and volunteers of the Coudersport-based A Way Out. Midge Ingalls photo

She noted that, as recently as 20 years ago, one out of every six women had suffered some form of domestic violence, but kept the information to themselves. Many still don't feel that they can approach the clergy for love, prayer or support, she said.

Silverstrim did interject a note of hope, however, that society is beginning to put a name to the abuse, which is the first step necessary for overcoming domestic violence, according to authorities.

"If you love another as Christ gave Himself up for the church, you will die for that person rather than see the person hurt, or abused, or offended," she added. " . . . It's not just about submission and obedience, but a new way of mutuality and relationship that shows caring and love in a way the world has still not yet seen."

Pastor Tom Shatto of the Sweden Valley United Methodist Church commended the people who work at A Way Out for providing a way for people to escape intolerable situations.

He called upon husbands to "love your wives, and never be harsh."

Churches, he said, should "support domestic health and tranquility and keep telling the story of how we are created to be partners, companions, supportive of each other, and not ever submit to the proposition that in some way, someone deserves violence."

A Way Out is one branch of a statewide network that supports victims of domestic violence and their children. This network services all 67 counties and has communitybased locations helping 95,000-plus survivors of domestic violence as they attempt to rebuild their lives.