As part of the nation-wide recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor May Newburger's Committee Against Family Violence, in conjunction with numerous community organizations and religious institutions, will hold the second Candlelight Vigil for victims and survivors of domestic violence. The date for this event is Thursday, Sept. 21 at 5:45 p.m. in Mary Jane Davies Park on Plandome Road in Manhasset or in Town Hall if it rains.

Folk singer Oscar Brand, the Reverend Edward Corley of the Mount Olive Baptist Church, Reverend Barbara Hosmer of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and Supervisor Newburger will join adult survivors of abuse to speak out against violence against women. Men Against Violence Against Women will distribute white ribbons - the symbol of men's opposition to partner abuse.

The event will culminate in the rededication of the weeping cherry tree and the lighting of candles to honor the victims and survivors of abuse. Weather permitting, there will be a clothesline exhibit of T-shirt folk art offering testimony to the experiences of women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

"Survivors tell us they would have taken steps to escape sooner if they had any idea that help was available to them," stated Supervisor Newburger. "The Candlelight Vigil will help disperse that knowledge. Domestic violence is a problem that festers behind closed doors of the seemingly peaceful homes of thousands of families - right here in our town. It is time to shed light on this problem and to bring it forth from the shadows. Only through a broad community response that clearly articulates zero tolerance for violence of any kind, can we begin to combat this hidden crime."

The harsh reality is that a woman is beaten by her partner every nine seconds in this country - making domestic violence the leading cause of emergency room visits by women. Based on the testimony of survivors of such abuse, this crime transcends the boundaries of economic status, race, religion and ethnic group.

Violence is learned behavior. Children raised in violent homes are 74 percent more likely to commit assault and many men who batter their wives grew up watching their fathers abuse their mothers. It engenders a destructive cycle of events. Exposure is a significant risk factor for drug and alcohol abuse, low academic achievement, dropping out of school, delinquency and teen pregnancies.

The Coalition Against Domestic Violence hotline number is 542-0404. Help and information are available free and confidential, according to committee chair Deena Lesser.