Community members gathered in Fremont on October 7, 2026, for the Annual Candlelight Vigil in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, honoring victims and survivors of domestic violence while raising awareness about prevention and healing, according to a press release.

The event was co-organized by South Asian and local community organizations, including Maitri, Narika, Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments, and the North American Islamic Shelter for the Abused, in partnership with the Fremont Human Relations Commission. The gathering drew advocates, service providers, survivors, city officials, and residents from across the Bay Area.

Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan presented the vigil co-hosts with proclamations affirming their dedication to serving the local community and declaring the month of October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the city of Fremont.

Community Walk and Survivor Stories: The evening began with a community walk, where participants carried posters with messages calling for an end to domestic violence. Following the walk, survivors, advocates, and community leaders shared stories of endurance, healing, and hope, highlighting the strength required to rebuild lives after abuse and the importance of community support in breaking societal stigma.

The program also featured artistic performances, including dance, music, poetry, and Henna art, with each piece reflecting the pain of loss, the resilience of survival, and hope for a future free from violence. The event concluded with a candlelight vigil and a collective pledge to stand with survivors and work together to end domestic violence.

Scope and Impact of Intimate Partner Violence: According to data cited in the press release, the need for awareness and action regarding intimate partner violence remains critical across California and the nation:

Approximately 35 percent of California women and 31 percent of California men experience physical intimate partner violence in their lifetimes, reflecting rates higher than the national average. Women between 18 and 24 years of age are significantly more likely to be survivors of physical intimate partner violence than women in other age groups.

Domestic violence also carries a significant economic impact, resulting in an estimated 8 million days of lost paid work each year across the country. The issue costs an estimated $8.3 billion in expenses annually, combining $5.8 billion in medical costs and $2.5 billion in lost productivity.

Additionally, the National Network to End Domestic Violence recorded in its 20th Annual Domestic Violence Counts Survey that participating programs served 84,146 adults and children in a single 24-hour period on September 10, 2025.

For more information:
DV and Homicide in South Asian Communities
https://www.southasiansoar.org/theirlightremains

Maitri: www.maitri.org 

Narika: www.narika.org 

Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments: https://save-dv.org/ 

The North American Islamic Shelter for the Abused: https://asknisa.org/ 

This text was edited with the assistance of an AI tool and has been reviewed and edited for accuracy and clarity by an India Currents editor.