Vigil in downtown Tyler honors victims, survivors of domestic violence

Published 5:35 am Friday, November 22, 2024

Dozens gathered at the Downtown Square in Tyler on Wednesday evening to honor the lives lost to intimate partner/domestic violence homicide, while standing in solidarity with survivors in a candlelight vigil.

Hosted by UT Tyler’s Alpha Chi Omega in partnership with East Texas Crisis Center, the vigil served as both a memorial and a call to action.

“(Alpha Chi Omega’s) philanthropy is domestic violence awareness and so this is our mission really to come and spread awareness to prevent it from happening to educate young people and older people on just how serious it is and prevalent it is in Tyler, even not just in bigger cities,” Kaylie Wilson, a junior at UT Tyler and a member of Alpha Chi Omega. “We really spend a lot of our time educating people, but we also think it’s very important to come and pay our respects to the victims in the past and just continue to shed the light on the town.”

In 2023, the East Texas Crisis Center provided services to 719 survivors of domestic violence through five counties in East Texas.

“Alpha Chi Omega is an amazing sorority that works really closely to support both survivors and victims of domestic violence,” said Jeremy Flowers, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for East Texas Crisis Center. “They really organize on campus and throughout the community to raise awareness, to raise funds, and to educate the community on the dynamics of domestic violence, and we’re just so grateful for the opportunity to partner and work together with them so that we can reduce violence so we can prioritize survivor safety and we can work to support survivors in the community.”

Lisa, a domestic violence survivor, recounted her harrowing journey of falling in love with a man who later isolated her from friends and family then subjected her to abuse. She shared chilling moments, including when he wedged her between his car and their garage, and the time she just knew she was going to die as he had his hands wrapped around her neck.

“Lisa sharing her story… it was one of the most courageous things I’ve seen,” said Jordan Neal, a junior at UT Tyler and a member of Alpha Chi Omega. “It felt like she was almost reliving everything. She was so strong and spoke with such passion. You can really see how relieved she was to be out of that situation.”

The vigil also paid tribute to a recent victim, Marilyn McEachin who lost her life early Monday morning after police say her boyfriend doused her with gasoline and set her home on fire.

“Domestic violence or intimate partner violence homicide is a serious issue,” Flowers said. “To address a serious issue we have to ask serious questions, which means we have to deeply reflect on the culture and social norms that support intimate partner violence homicide, things like why are Black and Latino women primarily affected; why are there gaps in services provided to the LGBTQ community? Why are women primarily the victims of intimate partner violence homicide, and maybe most importantly, why are men disproportionately murdering women?”

According to the Honoring Texas Victims report, in 2023, 179 women were killed by a current or former intimate partner. The ages of girls and women killed in 2023 range from 15-88, with the highest age group represented 30-39.

The names of 205 domestic violence victims who were killed by their intimate partners in Texas last year were read out loud at the vigil.

“It’s really so heartbreaking and needs to be talked about more,” Neal said. “I feel like because it’s an intimate topic, most people are scared to speak up… I hope they know the resources that’s out there. That’s why I’m glad to be a part of an organization that tries so hard to promote awareness.”

Based in Tyler but serving multiple counties, the East Texas Crisis Center offers essential support for those experiencing domestic violence by ensuring there is round-the-clock help available.

“We have a 24/7 hotline that can be easily found on our website,” said Serena Cooper, a case manager for the residential clients at the East Texas Crisis Center, as well as an Alpha Chi member. “Even if you feel like you can’t make the phone call, if it’s easier to make a chat, we have the online chat system as well, where a residential advocate will respond as soon as possible when they see that chat and help with the safety plan.”

The advocate will work with the survivor to ensure their safety, regardless of whether they are ready to leave their abuser.

“We can guide them through the process and safety plan to make sure that when they do decide to leave, they have somewhat of a plan that gives them some sense of confidence in making a safe exit,” Cooper added. “We help survivors equip them with the tools they need to rebuild their lives free of violence and help them get on their own two feet… away from their abuser.”

In addition to local support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline and various advocacy and counseling services are available for those seeking further help.

“You’re not alone and we believe you,” Wilson said. “This is something that is very serious and we want to give you the best support we can. We would love to hear your story and we would love to help you in any way that we can.”

To contact the East Texas Crisis Center, call 903-509-2526. A 24-hour crisis hotline is available at 800-333-0358 and a B.I.P.P. (Batterer Intervention & Prevention Program) line can be reached at 903-579-2500. The National Domestic Hotline can be reached at 800-799-7233.

Anyone in danger should call 911. Those not in immediate danger but needing help or advice can call the local 24/7 hotline at 800-333-0358.

For more information, visit etcc.org.