FARMINGTON — Purple lights strung around the gazebo in Meetinghouse Park dotted the dark, rainy night as community members gathered Friday to show support for those who struggle with domestic violence.

A Vigil of Remembrance was held on the first day of October as a start to Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The lights will remain lit in the gazebo throughout the month of October to help raise awareness about the subject.

“Domestic violence happens in bad weather. It’s horrible, hurtful and dangerous. It’s about power and control. We’re all here in bad weather, but we’re safe and that’s the difference,” said Jane Morrison, executive director of the Abused Women’s Advocacy Project, sponsor of the vigil.

In a state where about 50 percent of murders, eight out of the last 17, were domestic violence related, a rate higher than most states, AWAP works to provide court advocacy, education in schools and at events, and shelters for victims. Last year, well over 600 lives here were touched, she said.

“We’ve come a long way, but there’s still a long way we have to go,” Katie Marble, president of AWAP’s board of directors, said.

Thirty years ago this wouldn’t have been held out in public, men and women sitting together talking about it along with the town’s chief of police, she said.

“It’s the power of a voice,” she added, encouraging attendees to voice excuses given for the act then voicing the answer, “there’s no excuse for domestic violence.”

Committed to working with the community and victims, Farmington Police Chief Jack Peck agreed there was a lot more to do. Looking at statistics, police receive a report of domestic violence every 96 hours in Maine, but those are the ones reported. The majority aren’t, he said.

In Farmington last year, local police handled 52 reports of domestic violence, one a week, and 13 cases of sexual assault, one a month, he said.

The best words voiced for those suffering are not ones of advice but those that convey “we care,” said Jessica Dorr, local community educator for AWAP, as she thanked attendees for showing community support. Something that is really powerful, she added. The biggest words to offer, “I’m concerned for you. I’m concerned for your safety,” she said.

Lighting candles in memory and honoring “those who have lost their lives to domestic violence and offer hope and support to survivors of abuse,” as noted on the program, by attending this event shows the community “gets it,” she said, encouraging them to wear small purple ribbons to continue showing their support.

AWAP’s 24-hour free and confidential helpline can be reached by calling 1-800-559-2927.

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