FARMINGTON — They came to honor those lost to domestic violence, support those who now endure it and celebrate those who have survived it.

According to Safe Voices educator Stacie Bourassa, that was the reason a small gathering came to light candles and unite Monday night in Meetinghouse Park during a Domestic Violence Memorial Vigil.

The event was organized by Safe Voices to observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

As high winds swirled and darkness fell, Franklin County Sheriff Scott Nichols Sr. and Dr. Connie Adler shared thoughts on how law enforcement and the medical field approach domestic violence.

The laws governing domestic violence have changed over the years, Nichols told the gathering.

As an officer 30 years ago,  he would go to separate a man and woman and attempt to find one a safe place for the night only to see it happen over again. Usually, there were no charges made for fear of the beating or emotional abuse one would endure later, he said.

In the 1990s, the laws changed, allowing warrant-less arrests for domestic violence, photographs and follow-up interviews within 48 hours to ensure safety. Now firearms can be removed, bail revoked and charges made.

“It’s still widespread,” Nichols said, adding that domestic violence affects every demographic.

In just the past 10 months, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department has handled 44 cases of domestic violence, Nichols said. That doesn’t include what Farmington or Wilton police or any other town police department has handled, he said.

The medical field has also changed the way it reacts to domestic violence over the past 20 years, Adler said.

Back then, an abused woman would come to the emergency room over and over again.

“No one would ask what happened,” she said.

Now, all patients regularly are asked if they feel safe at home, especially the pregnant women.

According to Adler, research has shown the effects on the brains of children and women exposed to domestic violence.

“It’s the gift that keeps giving,” she said.

“There’s a climate change in the community,” she said. “More are aware domestic violence is wrong but it doesn’t stop.”

Moments such as Monday’s vigil send a strong message — this community comes together to combat violence, Adler said. Now, law enforcement, medical providers and advocates also work together. “We never used to talk,” she said.

“It’s by working together we’ll get something done,” she added.

After a moment of silence, participants marched down Main Street across Broadway and up High Street to the Old North Church for a time of sharing.

abryant@sunjournal.com