Candlelight vigil for domestic violence homicide victims

BANGOR — Partners for Peace is planning a candlelight vigil for Virginia Cookson and all domestic violence homicide victims on Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 5-6 p.m. at Cascade Park in Bangor.

Partners for Peace, the domestic violence resource center for Penobscot and Piscataquis counties, in collaboration with Cookson’s loved ones, is coordinating a candlelight vigil in her memory and in remembrance of all domestic violence homicide victims in Maine.

Thirty-nine-year-old Virginia “Gin” Cookson was killed in Bangor on Sept. 25. There have been 15 domestic violence related homicides in Maine over the past year and nearly 50 percent of all of Maine’s homicides are domestic violence related.

There will be resources and support available before the event from 4-5 p.m. The candlelight vigil program will begin promptly at 5 p.m. The program will include speakers from surviving family members and a remembrance ceremony.

Attendees are encouraged to wear purple for domestic violence awareness and to bring flowers for the memorial. 

More information can be found within the event flyer or the Facebook Event page. 

Partners for Peace provides support services for anyone affected by abuse and violence in the Penobscot and Piscataquis County region. For more information, visit our website at www.partnersforpeaceme.org. To speak with one of our advocates, please call our 24-hour helpline at 1-800-863-9909. Our services are free and confidential.