Note: The Lawrence Times is offering some space for area organizations and organizers to express their views, provide updates and attempt to reach other folks who might share their mission. This post is contributed content (i.e., not produced by the Times staff). See more in our Community Voices section, or see how to submit your own piece.
The community is invited to a candlelight vigil during Domestic Violence Awareness month to remember victims, honor survivors and explore opportunities to act to make a difference.
The event will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 26 on the east side of South Park in downtown Lawrence.
Activities will start at 5:30 p.m. with opportunities to create a T-shirt for the Clothesline Project and to visit with local organizations and learn about ways to help. Live music, speakers and the candlelight vigil will begin at 6:15 p.m. The community is invited to send a photo to be part of a slideshow in honor or memory of those affected by domestic violence.
The event will be held near the small stage in South Park, between the gazebo and the courthouse. For those wishing to participate in the Clothesline Project, please bring a white or light-colored T-shirt that can be decorated with a story or message of solidarity.
#BeMoreLikeClaire is organizing the event with the support of the Ballard Center, Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County, Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center and Willow Domestic Violence Center.
#BeMoreLikeClaire is an organization that works to carry on the legacy of Claire VanLandingham by cultivating the power of collective generosity so that all may live a safe and healthy life. VanLandingham, a promising young Navy dentist, was a passionate volunteer who planned to make the world a more fair, compassionate and loving place for all. At age 27, she was murdered by an ex-boyfriend. #BeMoreLikeClaire carries on the work she most certainly would have done.
The community can go online to find additional information, register, submit slideshow photos or order a free T-shirt, and volunteer for the event.
Resources for survivors
If you have experienced sexual violence or trauma, please seek the help that’s right for you. There are many options available, and you don’t have to file a police report if you don’t want to.
Get 24/7 help in Lawrence: The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center
- Call 785-843-8985 to reach an advocate, 24/7. (Consider saving that number in your phone in case you or someone you know ever needs it.)
- After an assault: What are my options? Check this page for detailed information about
- talking to an advocate,
- going to the hospital,
- making a police report,
- and/or talking to a counselor or therapist.
- On campus? Check this page for specific resources for the University of Kansas, Haskell Indian Nations University, Baker University, Ottawa University and more.
Resources on KU’s campus:
- Contact the CARE (Campus Assistance, Resource, and Education) Coordinator: Students can make an appointment by email, care@ku.edu, or by calling 785-864-9255. It’s free, confidential and voluntary to talk with the CARE Coordinator. All genders welcome. Read more here.
- Find more KU campus resources at this link. Specific information about sexual assault exams can be found here.
- Direct message KU CARE Sisters on Instagram. You don’t need to be affiliated with Greek Life to reach out and/or receive assistance. (Note: CARE Sisters provide peer support and education, but this is not a 24/7 service like others listed here.)
Domestic violence situations: The Willow Domestic Violence Center
- Reach the Willow for help 24/7 at 785-843-3333.
- Find more resources on the Willow’s website at this link.
More resources
- StrongHearts Native Helpline: Call 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) for 24/7 safe, confidential and anonymous domestic and sexual violence support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives that is culturally appropriate.
- National hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text “START” to 88788, and/or visit thehotline.org to chat and learn more, 24/7.
