THE SELMA TIMES-JOURNAL

Every nine seconds, someone &045; a child, woman or man &045; is the victim of domestic abuse.

The survivors of such abuse, as well as those who have lost their lives, were honored Thursday night with a candlelight vigil.

The vigil was part of the Eighth Annual Domestic Abuse Symposium held at the St. James Hotel.

SABRA Sanctuary, which conducts the symposium, and other similar facilities are symbols of hope, Gaines said.

Nancy Travis, executive director of SABRA Sanctuary, said that close to 100 people attended workshops on Thursday, which included a presentation on violence in the workplace.

A presentation today focuses on pedophilia.

Those attending the symposium receive continuing education credits, Travis said.

Organizers said education is the key to stopping violence against women and children, making symposiums such as the one held this week in Selma an important part of fighting domestic abuse.

During the vigil, those gathered recited a Pledge of Commitment that included the phrase, &8220;We will listen to and comfort the abused. We will call to account the abuser. With knowledge of the challenge that lies before us, we promise to make our community a Haven of Safety … A Circle of Care.&8221;

International Paper and Vaughan Regional Medical Center are the largest corporate sponsors for the event.