131 domestic violence victims honored at candlelight vigil

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - 131 candles for 131 people killed due to domestic violence in 2024.

Held in the bandshell at Forsyth Park Safe Shelter had is annual domestic violence vigil. Each year the domestic violence shelter hosts a remembrance of all of the men women and children who has died at the hands of domestic dispute.

It’s a number that Safe Shelter in Savannah wants to lower.

Shannon Bates, the CEO of Safe Shelter says this vigil reminds even her that they have a mission.

“This is kind of our north star, it’s the whole reason we are here, to help victims, promote change in our community,” she says.

A community that has been hit by the pain of domestic violence, This year’s speaker is the mother of Rachel Tankersley, a woman who police say was beaten and killed by her husband. He is now facing murder charges, but Rachel’s life was snuffed out too soon.

“Victims of domestic violence do not need to be ashamed, but the shame belongs to someone else, only to the abuser,” said Rachel’s mother, Trina Embrey.

“Rachel did not lose her life for nothing, out of the darkness of her loss, we have found some light that exposes the truth about domestic violence,” said Embrey.

Each year this vigil stands as a reminder that domestic violence is alive in Georgia, and a stark reminder that death sometimes is how it ends.

This year the candles were lit one by one a silent march around Forsyth Park where the impact of domestic violence spoke for itself.

A woman, Domenik Hudges, was in the crowd of supports when the names of each of the 131 victim’s names were read and she says that when she heard her name read out, grief and sadness overtook her.

“They said a name, and it was also my name… and I thought… that could have been me… and its just….. That could have been me,” she said.

If you would like to help continue safe shelters work here in the costal empire they are hosting a their twilight ball on October 24th. You can find the link for tickets here.