Take Back the Night to Host its 16th Annual Vigil and Rally

In 2011, the Will County Circuit Clerk's office processed 2,364 orders of protection.

“Domestic violence has reached immense proportions that touch everyone," Pam McGuire, Will County Circuit Clerk said in a written release. "It affects our mothers, sisters, daughters, neighbors and friends. 

"It is the ugly monster that too often we are afraid to talk about."

October is nationally known as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. To commemorate the month, many people are changing out the light bulbs on their front porches to purple bulbs. Also, the annual Take Back the Night rally and march takes place this month. Take Back the Night holds a vigil and rally every year to educate the public about domestic violance and to honor the victims.

Held in years past at Joliet West High School, this year the rally and vigil will take place at the First Assembly of God Church, 1741 Essington Road, in Joliet.

Doors open at 5 p.m. Thursday and the program begins at 6 p.m.

"I urge anyone who wishes to add their voice to ours by calling for an end to domestic violence, to go and be a part of the vigil,” McGuire said in a release.

This year, the featured speaker is Linda King, Founder of Fix the Hurt.