October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Saint Xavier University is once again bringing the community together to shine a light on an issue that affects families across the country.
The university will host a Domestic Violence Candlelight Walk on Oct. 6, beginning at 6 p.m. outside St. Gianna Parish, 10233 S. Central Park Ave. in Evergreen Park. Participants will walk to the main entrance of Saint Xavier University, 3700 W. 103rd St. in Chicago, where a panel discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Charlene Bermele, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Saint Xavier University, is helping organize the event. Bermele also helped bring students and community members together for last year’s candlelight walk, when Saint Xavier nursing students led the procession from St. Gianna Parish.
“It was meaningful for our students to stand with the community and raise awareness about an issue that affects so many,” Bermele said last year.
That same spirit will carry into this year’s event, with the walk followed by a panel discussion focusing on ways to recognize, respond to and support victims of domestic violence.
The panel will feature representatives from Arab American, African American, Caucasian, Hispanic and Polish communities. The discussion will focus on culturally competent approaches to identifying abuse and supporting victims and survivors.
The event also will give people an opportunity to connect with organizations that work with victims and their families. Resource tables will provide information about court advocates, shelter and housing services, legal assistance and other community services.
The need for those resources remains significant. Illinois sees an estimated 115,000 to 125,000 reported cases of domestic violence each year. In 2025, 137 people died in domestic violence incidents, according to information provided by Saint Xavier University.
Last year’s walk brought together Saint Xavier students, parishioners, community members and local leaders. Nursing students carried candles as they walked down 103rd Street, creating a quiet but visible show of support for victims and survivors.
Bermele worked with the Southside Domestic Violence Outreach Committee to involve Saint Xavier nursing students in the event, giving them an opportunity to take what they learn in the classroom into the community.
This year’s walk continues that effort while giving community members another opportunity to learn about domestic violence, meet organizations that can help and show their support for those affected by abuse.
The event is open to the community.
In case of rain, participants should go directly to the main entrance of Saint Xavier University for the 6:30 p.m. program.