XENIA — Greene County community members and leaders gathered Monday night in Xenia to raise awareness about domestic violence. At the Family Violence Prevention Center of Greene County’s annual “Pause for Peace” rally, attendees heard from survivors of domestic violence about their respective journeys.

One woman recalled how assistance from the Family Violence Prevention Center helped her to pursue custody of her grandson in court and accomplish other tasks.

“I had a lot to do and I was at the starting point, I looked ahead and wondered if I could do this,” she said. “With my determination and the help from my friends and everyone at the Family Violence Prevention Center, I conquered everything on my list. In honor of myself and my son, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I’m proud to share that I continue to raise my grandson as my son because I have full legal custody.”

“I want everyone to know freedom is possible,” she said. “… You may feel there’s a lot of puzzles to sort together, but you can do it.”

Another woman recounted her story following domestic violence: “I was a victim of domestic violence, but today is not a day for a story of abuse. Today is a day to tell you the story of … my road to becoming a survivor and my road to becoming a thriver.”

The woman recalled receiving help with raising her children and finding a home to live in through the center, among other services.

“This has been a long, hard road that started back in 2010,” she said. “Through the Family Violence Prevention Center, I am now not a survivor. I am not a victim, I am a thriver.”

The program also included special music and the “Clothesline Project,” a display of story-telling T-shirts created by center service recipients.

Community members lit candles for a moment of silence in recognition of domestic violence victims.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2015/10/web1_pause1.jpgCommunity members lit candles for a moment of silence in recognition of domestic violence victims. Nathan Pilling | Greene County News

Greene County community members and leaders gathered Monday night to raise awareness about domestic violence.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2015/10/web1_pause2.jpgGreene County community members and leaders gathered Monday night to raise awareness about domestic violence. Nathan Pilling | Greene County News

State Rep. Bob Hackett read a proclamation in relation to Domestic Violence Awareness Month at the event.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2015/10/web1_pause3.jpgState Rep. Bob Hackett read a proclamation in relation to Domestic Violence Awareness Month at the event. Nathan Pilling | Greene County News

The Xenia chapter of the Chrome Divas, a group of female motorcycle enthusiasts, raised about $2,700 for the Family Violence Prevention Center.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2015/10/web1_pause4.jpgThe Xenia chapter of the Chrome Divas, a group of female motorcycle enthusiasts, raised about $2,700 for the Family Violence Prevention Center. Nathan Pilling | Greene County News

Community members lit candles for a moment of silence in recognition of domestic violence victims.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2015/10/web1_pause5.jpgCommunity members lit candles for a moment of silence in recognition of domestic violence victims. Nathan Pilling | Greene County News

By Nathan Pilling

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Reach Nathan Pilling at 937-502-4498 or on Twitter @XDGNatePilling.