October 21 is Purple Thursday – a day to bring awareness to domestic violence, an ongoing and profound issue across our country. To honor the day, the YWCA of South Hampton Roads held a candlelight vigil to remember and honor those in the community lost to domestic violence.
“Years ago, I would have never thought I would be standing here before you saying, ‘I survived domestic violence. I made it,’” said Neisha Himes, a domestic violence survivor and founder of the GROW Foundation.
Himes was in an abusive relationship for five years. Now, she speaks empowering others in similar situations.