By Shavonne Walker
shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Since October 2017, there have been 60 victims who’ve died in 34 North Carolina counties at the hands of domestic violence. It’s simply one too many, advocates say.

The Family Crisis Council of Rowan County will hold its annual candlelight vigil on Monday at 7 p.m. on the steps of the Rowan County Courthouse, 210 N. Main St.

During the event, which is expected to be about an hour, attendees will hear stories of survival from Dr. Lissette Torres as well as a song from Salisbury High School student Grace Blackwell. Salisbury Police officer Rebecca Sexton will be the featured speaker.

The event will also set the tone for other events throughout the month including the Purple Shoe display that will be featured at the Rowan Public Library beginning Tuesday and will be on display until the end of the month. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The youngest victim who died at the hands of domestic violence was 7-month-old Bennett Pladl from Wake County and the oldest victim was 86-year-old Harold Levette Hoover of Randolph County.

In Rowan County, April Parker Anglin, 43, will be among the names remembered during the vigil. Anglin was killed in a July 24 murder-suicide. Authorities said Anglin’s husband, Raymond Anglin, shot her multiple times and then turned the gun on himself.

Anyone who knows someone suffering in silence or is a victim of domestic violence can call the 24-hour hotline at 704-636-4718 for help.