By Khalida Sarwari
A candlelight vigil will be held in San Jose tonight to remember the victims of domestic violence.
Twelve people in Santa Clara County lost their lives this year to domestic violence. There were five domestic violence-related deaths in the county last year.
Dave Cortese, president of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, is hosting the event, titled “Day of Remembrance,” to give survivors a chance to share their stories and to raise awareness about the impacts of domestic violence, said Cortese’s policy aide, Steven Blomquist.
Speakers at the event include Assemblyman Jim Beall and various community leaders.
Blomquist said last year the event drew around 90 people and anticipated tonight’s vigil would draw the same amount.
The vigil will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the County Government Center, located at 70 W. Hedding St.
On Friday, the county will host its 18th annual “Domestic Violence Council Conference” to explore the role of men in the prevention of domestic violence.
The event in Santa Clara will highlight programs and intervention tactics that promote nonviolent, healthy relationships and engage men in the eradication of domestic abuse.
Participants will include judges, law enforcement representatives and advocates of domestic violence prevention.
The conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Santa Clara Marriott Hotel, located at 2700 Mission College Blvd.
