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Date: 6/3/2020
HILLTOWNS – Although the annual prayer vigil to end domestic violence, usually hosted in May on the Huntington town square, had to be cancelled this year, advocates did not want to skip a year of reaching out to Hilltown victims and survivors to say they care and stand with them. Instead, they will be creating a virtual prayer flag video to lift up victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence with words of encouragement.
“During COVID, we worry about increased isolation. Isolation is a key risk factor in domestic violence. It is a core strategy abusive people use to control and wear down their partners. If victims are only hearing the voice of their destructive partner it can be overwhelming and create intense self-doubt in addition to cutting off any outside help,” said Monica Moran of the Southern HIlltown Domestic Violence Task Force.
Anyone interested in participating in the prayer flag video is asked to answer the question, “What is your hope, wish, or prayer for those who experience domestic or sexual violence?” Then, on a square of white cloth or piece of white paper, write your answer, and take a photo either of yourself with your flag, or of just your flag, and email it to southernhillsdvtaskforce@gmail.com as a jpeg.
Those emailing a photo are consenting to having their photo used in this public project, which will be circulated on social media and “everywhere we can,” Moran said. However, she added that sending in a photo does not absolutely guarantee that it will be included, but they will fit in every photo they can given the limits of a short video. Deadline for photos is June 8.
“So the prayer flags are a way for individuals - anyone can participate - to take 10 minutes to tell victims and survivors what they hope, wish or pray for them. It is meant to be uplifting during this time of increased isolation. Uplifting for all of us really.
“It is meant to be a reminder - although a small number of people are abusive and cause immense harm- most hilltowners want to lift one another up. This is about lifting people up,” Moran said.
Rev. Carol Smith of the First Congregational Church in Huntington, who has led the prayer vigil since it began four years ago, said each year the vigil has been growing in number, speaking to the continuing need for active awareness to the issue of domestic violence.
“At a time when our country and indeed the whole world is isolating to help curb the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus, it is imperative we are aware that the isolation that curbs the spread of the virus also provides the environment which permits domestic and intimate partner abuse, physical and emotional,” she said.
“It means that the abused individual is now isolated with their abuser 24/7 with limited access to help from the outside or of opportunity to escape the abuse. Since we cannot yet gather in person during the pandemic, this virtual vigil is a positive way of using our creative voices to demonstrate our concern, support and encouragement for all who are abused and for those who are recovering from abuse in their journey toward healing,” Smith said
Anyone with concerns or questions about domestic violence, may call the Hilltown Safety at Home program at 667-2203