Alliance's vigil honors victims of domestic violence

CHESAPEAKE

Forty-nine T-shirts danced listlessly in the breeze.

The brightly colored cotton and paints were a stark contrast to the serious messages.

“Abuse hurts!!” one read. “Help it STOP!”

Beneath the words, a stick figure with a frowning face looked at a headstone that read, “RIP Mommy.”

One bright orange shirt stood out from the rest. Its message was more hopeful.

“Heroes live forever,” it read in fluorescent green paint. 

That was also a theme Monday night at the Hampton Roads Family Violence Alliance’s candlelight vigil to remember victims and survivors of domestic violence.

“This is a time to recognize those who provide support,” said Grace Orsini, a domestic-violence educator.

She encouraged the 50-plus in attendance to work to end domestic violence.

“We cannot become complacent,” Orsini said.

“It’s a societal issue. It affects everyone in our community.”

Kate Loring agreed and said she’s always had difficulty with the phrase, “domestic violence,” because it gives people the impression that it’s a private matter. It’s an issue that needs the entire community’s attention, she said.

“Break the curse,” a T-shirt read. “Educate your children.”

Loring has worked to raise young people’s awareness about domestic violence since her daughter’s death.

On Dec. 8, 2006, her daughter, Claire Cucchiari-Loring, a 22-year-old music student at Old Dominion University, was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend, who then turned the gun on himself.

“I spoke at this event last year and it had only been 10 months,” Loring said. “Now it’s been 22 months. I can hardly believe it.”

Loring said she has found meaning in doing things that honor her daughter's life and recognize the way that she died.

Next month, a second scholarship fundraiser, “Her Melody Lingers On,” will be held in Claire’s honor in Virginia Beach.

“My daughter lived a rich 22 years, almost 23,” Loring said.

“Now, because of Claire’s murder, I am living a domestic-violence life.”

October is recognized nationally as domestic-violence awareness month. Lauren King, (757) 446-2309, lauren.king@pilotonline.com