Candle-lit luminaries filled the stage at Bandshell Park Sunday night in rememberance of the 97 domestic violence-related deaths in Iowa since 1995.

The candlelight vigil was sponsored by ACCESS (Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support), Youth and Shelter Services, and Story County Attorney’s Victim Witness Program.

ACCESS Youth and Family coordinator Deb O’Brien said the event was designed “to provide awareness in the community about the extent of domestic violence.”

Mary Howell-Sirna, Story County prosecutor said, “Victims are just that, victims.” She encouraged the nearly 25 audience members to look for warning signs in people around them. She said women effected are our “sisters, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.”

O’Brien gave examples of warning signs, like changes in appearance, clothing, eating habits, and friends.

“Batterers tend to isolate their victims to discourage them from leaving,” O’Brien said.

Domestic abuse happens more often than people realize, O’Brien said. It exists from “middle school to middle age and beyond.”

An ACCESS voluteer read a poem written by an anonymous victim before the floor was opened to anyone who wanted to speak.

Steve Holmes, Story County prosecutor, shared stories that inspired him to become a prosecuting attorney and advocate for domestic violence victims.

“It’s very important for men to pass on to their sons to respect women,” said Holmes. “It’s never okay to hit a woman.”

ACCESS volunteer and Victim Advocate Adam Stark read domestic abuse murder statistics to the audience.

Stark said 61 Iowa women have been killed since 1995 by their partners.