This October, Younity (formerly Womanspace) invites the community to stand together during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Guided by the national theme, With Survivors, Always | Con los Sobrevivientes, Siempre, Younity will host two cornerstone events that uplift victim-survivors and honor lives lost: the Stepping Out of the Darkness DVAM Walk and the 24th Annual Communities of Light.
On Saturday, October 25, the community will gather at Cadwalader Park in Trenton for the Stepping Out of the Darkness DVAM Walk. Survivors, families, and supporters will walk side by side to break the silence around abuse and affirm that no one is alone. Ambassadors include Eva Phillips, a survivor whose courage and advocacy challenge the stigma of victim-blaming, and Maureen Spataro of the Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation, which honors the legacy of a young woman whose life was tragically cut short by domestic violence.
“Domestic violence is so often whispered about. Victim-survivors are asked to carry the burden in silence. This walk is about saying out loud: You are not alone, you have nothing to be ashamed of, and your community is here to stand with you, always,” said Varonda Kendrick, Younity’s Response Teams Coordinator.
The walk begins at 9:00 AM, with registration opening at 8:30 AM. Families are invited to walk in remembrance by carrying a photo, a banner, or simply a loved one’s name.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month concludes with the 24th Annual Communities of Light on Monday, October 27.At sundown, thousands of luminaries will glow across Mercer County in a shared act of remembrance and solidarity. What began as a grassroots effort 24 years ago has become one of Younity’s most vital fundraisers, providing critical support for shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and prevention education.
“Lighting one candle may seem like a small act,” said Nathalie S. Nelson, President & CEO of Younity. “But when thousands shine together across all of Mercer County, they illuminate the path forward and send a promise to every survivor: we see you, we believe you, and we will not turn away.”
In Mercer County alone, recent tragedies have underscored why awareness and action are so urgent. In May, Malika Whiting and her 14-year-old daughter, Jairah Biggs, were killed in their home. Just weeks later, Claribel Torres-Duran and her 11-year-old daughter, Evangelina Blaribel Velasquez, also lost their lives to domestic violence. And in September, a multi-agency investigation led to the arrest of eight people and the rescue of 15 survivors from a human trafficking operation.
How to Participate:
- Join the DVAM Walk on October 25 at Cadwalader Park. To learn more about the walk and register, visit: https://younitynj.org/event/stepping-out-of-the-darkness-younitys-domestic-violence-awareness-month-dvam-community-walk/
- Purchase luminary kits for Communities of Light and light them at sundown on October 27. Kits are available through Younity and participating retailers. To learn more, visit: https://younitynj.org/event/save-the-date-24th-annual-communities-of-light/
- Share your photos on social media with #WithSurvivors #DVAM2025 #CallforUnity #YounityNJ #StrongerTogether.
In Hopewell Borough luminaries can be purchased at:
Dandelion Wishes, 45 West Broad St., Hopewell
Pennington Borough issued the following details on how to get luminaries:
Light Up Pennington – Monday, October 27
Join the 24th Annual Communities of Light
Every October, as the days grow shorter and cooler, thousands of flickering luminary candles light up sidewalks, driveways, and storefronts across Pennington and Mercer County. These quiet lights send a powerful message: We see you. We believe in you. We stand with you.
Pennington is proud to once again take part in Communities of Light, a countywide event supporting Younity (formerly Womanspace) – a nonprofit that provides essential services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence in our region.
This is a completely voluntary effort, but over the years it has become a Pennington tradition – a quiet show of solidarity, compassion, and care. Pennington Borough has again formally recognized the event by issuing an official proclamation of support.
On Monday, October 27 at dusk, residents and businesses are encouraged to place luminary candles at the edge of sidewalks or driveways as a symbol of hope, unity, and healing.
Each kit is $12. 100% of all proceeds go to Younity. Every kit includes 6 luminaries, 6 paper bags, and simple setup instructions.
➡️ To order a kit:
Please email [email protected]
Include your name, address, and contact info. A local volunteer will follow up to arrange payment (Venmo, cash, or check) and delivery.
To ensure timely delivery, please send requests no later than Sunday, October 26.
In many neighborhoods across Pennington, local volunteers are also coordinating this effort. If you’ve already been contacted by a neighborhood volunteer, feel free to reply to them directly instead.
Please help spread the word with your neighbors and friends. Every candle lit brings us closer to a brighter, safer future. Thank you for being part of this meaningful community-wide effort.
