Largest number of victims of domestic violence in central Indiana to be remembered

An annual commemoration ceremony is planned Tuesday to remember homicide victims of domestic violence in central Indiana.

Domestic Violence Network Training Manager Ash Rathwell said this is a difficult ceremony.

“This is actually the largest list of names that we have that we will be reading off in quite some time,” Rathwell said.

Rathwell said the pandemic increased domestic violence homicides this year.

Last year in Indiana, from June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021, at least 74 people lost their lives to domestic violence. At least 34 of those individuals were from Central Indiana.

“No one deserves to go through this. Everyone deserves safety, love and respect within their relationships,” Rathwell said.

People who suffer from domestic violence often say it is difficult for them to leave an abusive relationship, especially during a pandemic that encourages people to isolate. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522.

The ceremony takes place October 5, from 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. at Meridian Street United Methodist Church, South Chapel.