Hays-Caldwell Womens Center hosts Candelight Vigil for victims of abuse

The Candlelight Vigil hosted by The Hays-Caldwell Womens Center Apr. 26 began around 7 p.m. as the sun set over The Square in downtown San Marcos, Texas. Photo: Cristina Carreon.

Attendees trickled in, chatting with Melissa Rodriguez, director of community partnerships, at the Women’s Center, and guest speakers.. Photo: Cristina Carreon.

The Candlelight Vigil was held at the Hays County Courthouse in honor of Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness Month. Photo: Cristina Carreon.

Prevention Coordinator Brad Pendleton spoke about a 16-year-old girl he had spoken to who was sexually assaulted by her driving instructor. Photo: Cristina Carreon.

Pendleton explained to small crowd that sexual assault can happen anywhere and to anyone. Photo: Cristina Carreon.

Attendees gathered to spread awareness by trading their own war stories about sexual abuse. 1 in 3 Texans will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes, according to the Texas Family Council on Violence. Photo: Cristina Carreon

Kayla Dezerae Brown, a San Marcos local poet with Press. Play Poetry gave a slam-style poem about her experiences with sexual abuse from an older, unnamed relative. Photo: Cristina Carreon.

The event was also attended by two San Marcos Police Department officers and Hays County Commissioner Will Conley, who showed support for the Center and said the Police would be working stridently to mitigate rising sexual violence rates in the city. Photo: Cristina Carreon.