Jan Robinson is more than a victim of domestic violence. She is a survivor.
Robinson, 74, shared some of her experiences at the Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Network's annual candlelight vigil Thursday night.
The vigil is held every year in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness month during October.
People are embarrassed to be victims of domestic violence, Robinson said, but help is available for those who ask for it.
"People are starting to realize more and more that something can be done for everybody, and I'm proof that (being a victim) is not the end of the world," she said.
Robinson is one of about 65 people who attended the vigil at Northside Park.
Domestic abuse survivors, volunteers and area residents listened as guest speakers, including State Attorney Bill Cervone, discussed the effects of domestic violence.
"It's been at least 20 years that the agency has been doing this (event)," said Theresa Harrison, executive director of Peaceful Paths.
Peaceful Paths is a domestic abuse network that serves survivors of domestic violence in Alachua, Bradford and Union counties, according to the organization's Web site.
Artwork created by current clients of Peaceful Paths also was put on display at the park.
T-shirts hung from a clothesline printed with sayings such as "Violence is wrong," and "One day at a time."
Both children and adults decorated the shirts as part of the Clothesline Project, an art project for current Peaceful Paths clients.
Peaceful Paths provides a wide range of services, such as emergency shelter, crisis hotlines, victim advocacy, counseling and support groups, community awareness and intervention and violence prevention programs, its Web site states.
"The staff at Peaceful Paths has helped me regain my self-confidence and self-esteem," Robinson said.
Cervone said the Office of the State Attorney is the court arm when it comes to issues in domestic violence.
Rehabilitating both offenders and victims of domestic violence is part of the solution, Cervone said.
Peaceful Paths is working with UF and Victoria's Secret PINK on a project called Recycle Your Sweats, a clothing drive that benefits abuse victims, according to a news release.
Donated items are not limited to sweat pants. Other items such as hats and shoes are also accepted, and they are donated to men, women and children. A donation bin is located outside of the Florida Bookstore on West University Avenue.
All items donated go to the Peaceful Paths Thrift Store, located at 2131 NW Sixth St., and will be free to clients involved in Peaceful Paths programs, Harrison said.
