Domestic violence victims honored at Appomattox vigil
Shown are Appomattox County personnel and others who attended the Domestic Violence Awareness Month event at Courtland Park. From left: Appomattox County Commonwealth’s Attorney Les Fleet, Appomattox County Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Dana Smith, Investigator Justin Rothgeb of the Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Josh Davis of the Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office, Appomattox County Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Kia Scott, Appomattox County Victim Witness Director Libby Ashby, Linda Ellis-Williams, senior director of Victim’s Services for the YWCA of Central Virginia, Appomattox County Administrator Susan Adams and Appomattox County Board of Supervisors member Rev. Al Jones. Image: Charles Conrad/Times Virginian

At last Thursday’s (Oct. 27) candlelight vigil to honor deceased victims of domestic violence, attendees were reminded of the hope that remains for the future as well as the grim reality of the present struggle against domestic-related crime.

Approximately 25 to 30 people, including law enforcement officials, attended the annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month event at Courtland Park on Court Street, Appomattox, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The event was led by Appomattox County Victim Witness Director Libby Ashby, who was recently hired to replace long-time director Mary Anne Freshwater. Offering words of prayer were retired minister and current Appomattox County Board of Supervisors member Rev. Al Jones and Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Josh Davis. At the conclusion of the evening’s speeches, attendees lit candles in remembrance of victims.

Linda Ellis-Williams is the senior director of Victim’s Services for the YWCA of Central Virginia, and oversees the Domestic Violence Prevention program and the Sexual Assault Response program. Williams offered a dose of truth regarding the fight against domestic violence, stating that the issue is getting worse, especially among young people.

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