Alexandria’s Candlelight Vigil Honors Lives Lost to Domestic Violence October 21

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Behind every silhouette is a life, a family and a story that matters. On Wednesday evening, October 21, Alexandria residents are invited to come together at the city courthouse for a candlelight vigil honoring people whose lives have been lost to domestic violence.

The Alexandria Domestic Violence Program will host its Silent Witness Candlelight Vigil and Memorial Program from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Alexandria Courthouse, 520 King Street, as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

At the heart of the remembrance will be a visual memorial featuring life-sized silhouettes representing people in Alexandria who died as a result of domestic violence. Rather than reducing those losses to numbers, the silhouettes invite visitors to recognize the individual lives behind them.

A Private Moment for Families, Followed by a Public Gathering

From 6 to 6:30 p.m., families affected by domestic violence will have a private opportunity to view the silhouettes. That portion of the evening is reserved for families. The public memorial program and reception will follow.

The city describes the gathering as an opportunity to raise awareness and create a space for healing and remembrance. Community members can attend to honor those lost and show support for people affected by domestic violence.

Recognizing Abuse—and Knowing Where to Turn

Domestic violence is not limited to physical assault. The Alexandria Domestic Violence Program describes it as a pattern of abusive or coercive behavior intended to exert power or control in a family or intimate relationship. It may include threats, verbal abuse and other forms of harm, and it can occur between current or former partners or within families, whether or not people share a home.

The awareness effort is also a reminder that support is available locally. Anyone experiencing domestic violence, or worried about someone they know, can call the Alexandria Domestic Violence Program at 703-746-4911 to learn about services. For information, visit alexandriava.gov/DomesticViolence.

The city’s invitation asks the community to make room not only for grief, but also for compassion and connection. The vigil offers Alexandrians a way to remember those who have died and to reaffirm that people facing abuse deserve safety and support.

Source: City of Alexandria news release dated October 16, 2026.