By james art 
Purple-clad women from four Bay Area-based organizations came together on the evening of Oct. 23 to bring attention to domestic violence. The vigil, which is an annual event, was jointly organized by Maitri, Narika, SAVE and the North American Islamic Shelter for the Abused. Several survivors, including political leaders, spoke of the difficulty of leaving abusive relationships and the lack of resources for those who had to escape. It has been noted that 1 in 3 women have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
Last year in California, 103 lives were lost to domestic violence, which was considered a massive underreporting of intimate partner violence deaths. California State Assembly member Alex Lee spoke about the need to create safety nets for women and children who escape violent situations. However, funding for organizations supporting victims of serious crime fell dramatically this year by 44.7%, leading to cuts in staff and services. Funding comes mainly from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which has seen a steady reduction in funding.
These funds are critical to supporting more than 800,000 people in California, including survivors of domestic violence, rape, human trafficking, elder abuse, and child abuse. The lack of funding has also affected homelessness, as women fleeing abusive homes often find themselves homeless. In addition, incarceration is a common outcome for women who have been abused, as many lack the legal resources and support to defend themselves.
The vigil also highlighted the difficulty of presenting evidence of intimate partner violence in court, resulting in many abusers facing minimal consequences for their actions. The cycle of abuse is a challenge to break, as Fremont Deputy Mayor Desree Campbell and City Councilwoman Teresa Keng, who both have personal experiences with domestic violence in their families, shared.
Afghan artist Nahid Arya shared the harrowing reality of women and girls facing violence in Afghanistan, where basic rights are denied and victims are often blamed for the violence. The emotional evening ended with survivors reading a powerful poem highlighting the interconnectedness of human suffering and the importance of empathy across languages and cultures.
The vigil in Fremont served as a poignant reminder of the continued prevalence of domestic violence and the critical need for increased support, resources and legal protections for survivors. He emphasized the importance of community awareness and action to break the cycle of abuse and ensure safety and justice for those affected.