Vigil held during domestic violence awareness month to remember Indiana domestic violence victims

INDIANAPOLIS — A vigil was held Tuesday night, the first day of domestic violence awareness month, in Indianapolis to remember those who lost their lives to domestic violence.

Danyette Smith, a domestic violence survivor, hopes she can use her voice to speak up for those who are no longer here and explain domestic violence.

"Being up there and allowing me to tell my story allowed me be a voice for those who are voiceless and allowed me to bring empowerment to those who are still sitting at home in that domestic violence situation," Smith said.

In 2018, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to more than 4,600 reports of domestic violence, Mayor Joe Hogsett said.

"I think its good because it brings a sense of closure and to know that you are not alone in this and that it does impact a lot of families all across Indiana so coming her brings you some type of closure," Smith said.

During October, Indianapolis Allstate agents will be collecting supplies for domestic violence survivors.

You can drop off donations until Oct. 11 at the following locations:

• Adrian Smiley: 8280 Michigan Rd. Ste B, Indianapolis
• Joe Bledsoe: 5845 Sunndyside Rd. Ste 1000, Indianapolis
• Scott Verbarg: 2222 W. Southport Rd. Ste J, Indianapolis
• Silvia Toscano: 3133 E. Thompson Rd. Indianapolis