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OGDEN -- Every action at the 12th annual Footsteps to Light Empowerment Walk had a symbolic meaning.
The walk itself represents survivors of domestic violence moving forward. Purple ribbons are for the bruises and wounds of violence in the home. Candles are the light and hope that pushes away darkness and pain.
Balloons were released into the dusk, rising to heaven in memory of adults and children killed in domestic violence incidents in Utah; 13 adults so far in 2008-09 and 12 children since 2000, according to Rebekah Clements, who has organized the event for Your Community Connection in 10 of its 12 years.
Between 150 and 200 men, women and children were led by the Ben Lomond High School Bagpipers from the YCC building at 2261 Adams Ave. to the Ogden Amphitheater on 25th Street, carrying signs and banners representing community groups and local police agencies who see firsthand the effects of violence in homes.
The event was also sponsored by the Weber-Morgan Domestic Violence Coalition in coordination with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Clements, of North Ogden, said she's learned in those 10 years that Weber County does want to help fight domestic violence.
"Everybody wants to do something but they're just not sure what to do," she said. "The thing that I love so much about this is that it combines the experience of survivors, family members and community members and people who really want to support. "
At the amphitheater, domestic violence was denounced by speakers, the Second Baptist Church step dance group and other musicians in a program that ended with singers, then bagpipers performing "Amazing Grace" as names of victims were displayed.
"I think when people see those names on the screen and they see something that says 'stabbed 51 times by her boyfriend' or 'killed in her North Ogden apartment,' I think it is a wake-up call to every one of us," Clements said. "If you think it's not in your neighborhood, you're wrong. It is everywhere, regardless of religion, economics, education or everything else."
The North Ogden incident Clements referred to was the death of Brittany Nichols, 23, murdered by Johnny Maurice Bell in her home when she tried to end their four-month relationship. Bell, 22, was sentenced to 16 years to life in prison in September.
Clements said all the symbolism of the event was with purpose.
"There is a light, there is a hope for those who are in the situation, and very symbolic, the releasing the balloons to heaven," she said, "especially for the kids, which to me is probably one of the most tragic elements, kids who are in that crossfire."
Sister Stephanie Mongeon from Mount Benedict Monastery offered a closing prayer for peace.
