In light of Domestic Violence Awareness Month nationwide, the Freeborn County Crime Victims Crisis Center, local law enforcement and other agencies are coming together to help people realize the handprint domestic violence can leave on a community.

“It’s a month to mourn those who have died because of domestic violence, celebrate those who have survived and connect those who work to end violence,” said Michelle French, with the Crime Victims Crisis Center.

To work toward this three-pronged goal, there will be a series of events throughout the month of October scheduled throughout town.

The most notable event during the month will be a community candlelight vigil next Thursday at New Denmark Park. It will not be at its traditional location of the Fountain Lake Park gazebo.

The vigil, which starts at 5:45 p.m., will include a butterfly release to celebrate the courage shown by those who have been affected by domestic violence, a survivor speaker and a law enforcement speaker.

There will also be a display of homicide victims throughout the state in 2008 and a remembrance of Jody Lee Morrow, Albert Lea’s most recent victim of domestic violence, said Andrea Hall, a probation officer with Freeborn County Court Services.

Hall said through the event organizers hope to make community members aware that there are many primary and secondary victims of domestic violence.

It will be the fifth year for the candlelight vigil in Freeborn County.

In line with goals of the AARP/Blue Zones Vitality Project to make a healthy community, Hall said she hopes people will pull together more as a community to alleviate the unhealthy behavior of domestic violence.

Domestic violence refers to violence in the home, not only between husband and wife.

Also planned is a “Hands Are Not For Hitting” demonstration on the main level of City Hall on Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where handprints will be collected on a banner from people who walk into the building, who will pledge not to use their hands for hitting.

This will also be in the first floor of the Freeborn County Government Center on Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

French said the Crime Victims Crisis Center is planning a booth at the Albert Lea Farmers Market on Oct. 21 from 3 to 6 p.m., which will include information about domestic violence and information about the crisis center.