One aspect of domestic violence that won't be re-evaluated is the need for the center to serve all ages, races, socioeconomic groups, and even a small percentage of men who are victims.
"Domestic violence starts for some in their teens and can affect senior citizens. We recently had a woman in our shelter who was 73," McKee said.
Many people associate domestic violence solely with physical abuse, but there are also cases of financial, sexual, emotional and mental abuse.
"We have never recognized all of these victims' struggles in this way," McKee said of the candlelight vigil. "We must bring domestic violence out into the open and discuss it in order for all of us to become stronger."
If you go
The DVC Candlelight Vigil 2010 to raise awareness about domestic violence in Howard County will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, at the East Columbia branch of the Howard County Library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. For more information, call Diana Philip at 410-997-0304 or go to dvcenter.org. Residents seeking support can call the center's 24-hour domestic violence helpline at 410-997-2272 or the sexual assault helpline at 410-997-3292.
