Join NBC 5 and the City of Irving at “Illuminate Irving: A Night of Remembrance and Hope” on Tuesday, October 10, along the Mandalay Canal in Las Colinas. The evening is dedicated to remembering and honoring domestic violence victims and survivors during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. The remembrance is open to the public and will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and will include a lantern ceremony dedicated to domestic violence victims and survivors.
The Irving Police Department (IPD) and Irving Family Advocacy Center (FAC) are working together to open the conversation of domestic abuse by informing the community about this dangerous crime and raising awareness of its progression. This is the second year IPD and FAC will hold “Illuminate Irving: a Night of Remembrance and Hope.
Domestic violence is a community issue that most likely effects someone everyone knows. In fact, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced domestic abuse at some point in their lives. This silent crime does not discriminate. It cuts across all demographics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, abuse begins with verbal put-downs and, at its worst, escalates over time into violent physical outbursts.
The FAC provides free counseling to Irving families. Counselors provide domestic abuse victims with resources and safety strategies.
At the start of the event, visitors are encouraged to write the names of victims and survivors on lanterns that will float down the Mandalay Canal. The lanterns honoring survivors will have white lights, and lanterns for those who passed away will be lighted with purple.
The ceremony will begin at 6:45 p.m. with speakers, followed by the lantern release. Food and family activities will also be available. Counselors and service organizations will be on hand to help victims, friends and family throughout the evening. Parking is free at the Mandalay Tower Parking Garage, which is located at 220 E. Las Colinas Blvd.
For more information, visit www.cityofirving.org/fac, as well as the City of Irving’s Facebook, Twitter through #IlluminateIrving and #enddv.
About The City of Irving
The City of Irving is an economic powerhouse in North Texas and is home to the region’s largest office park, where more than 10 percent of Fortune 500 companies are headquartered or have a significant presence. Irving is the 13th largest city in the state with 237,000 residents and the most diverse ZIP code in the country.
Illuminate Irving 2017
A Night of Remembrance and Hope
Tuesday, October 10
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Along the Mandalay Canal in Las Colinas Urban Center
200 E. Las Colinas Blvd.
Irving, TX 75039
www.cityofirving.org/2967/Illuminate-Irving
