Keeping vigilant
Event draws awareness of domestic violence in Routt County
Thursday, October 25, 2001
Steamboat Springs — In the last eight years, 2,000 people in Routt County were victims of domestic violence and received help through Advocates Against Battering and Abuse.
Domestic violence can affect everyone in the community, explained Dana Tredway, president of the Advocates Against Battering and Abuse board, at a candle light vigil at the Routt County Courthouse Thursday evening. It affects men, women and children and is more present in the community than most people are aware of, she said.
"In our community, there are 20 to 25 new incidents of violence each month," Tredway said to the crowd.
About 50 people marched from the Steamboat Springs Police Department to the courthouse to kick off the vigil to increase the awareness of domestic violence in Routt County.
This was the third year for the march and the 10th year of the vigil.
"I think it makes people more aware that we have a problem in the valley," local Jeanne Whiddon said. "This is a public statement that something needs to be done."
After Tredway spoke, Advocates' Executive Director Diane Moore presented Steamboat Springs Police Officer Dale Coyner the "Officer of the Year" award from Advocates.
"This is a blessing. It's fantastic," Coyner said. "Through the year, you like to think you are making a difference."
The crowd then lit candles, prayed together.
"This was wonderful," Moore said after the vigil ended.
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