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Vigil against domestic violence

By Wainwright Jeffers - bio | email

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - Last year, at least 111 Georgians lost their lives to domestic violence.

A candlelight vigil Thursday Night in Albany honored those victims and raised awareness of the problem to try to prevent future violence.

"I was a victim of child abuse and I was also a victim of spousal abuse," said Patricia Dawson, Former Victim.

People marched, and lit these candles for the ones who weren't as lucky.

"One of the one reasons I got out was because of my children," said Dawson.

She never thought she would be holding one of these candles.

"When you come up in an environment where there's abuse, you think you can save people you want to change them, I couldn't change my father maybe I can change my husband," said Dawson.

That didn't happen but she found the strength to leave after 14 years of abuse.

"It was like normal so to get out of it was a struggle, I left many times and returned," said Dawson.

But that day came when she was able to leave for good, after her husband threw a bottle hitting her in the back of her head.

"So happen my children came home and I wasn't able to clean up the blood in time my daughter saw it and she ask me was I ok but she disappeared," said Dawson.

That's the day the light in her head turned on.

"I went into to the kitchen and she had a butcher knife and was headed for her father and she said I'll kill him if he hurts you one more time," said Dawson.

Thankfully it ended fine but it was a different story for the 67-names were read at tonight's vigil.

Patricia is now a victim's advocate at the liberty house, they help women and their children leave the violence behind.

"Seek help and allow people to help you and know they're not there to judge you," said Dawson "I use to say I would never be like my mom and I turned out just like she was, but I don't want that for my daughters."

That's why talking about it and shining the light on domestic violence could prevent the life of other Georgians from going out.

If you'd like to help The Liberty House support victims or need help give them a call at (229) 439-7094.

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