And he vowed that every time there is a domestic violence-related killing, he'll hold another. About 35 people attended the first vigil. In the seven weeks since that vigil, there have been three more. The last one, on Dec. 17, drew about 70 people. The movement appears to be growing.
Women are welcome at the vigils, but the somber events are organized by men.
Until whites take responsibility for racism, it's never going to end. Until men take responsibility for domestic violence and the abuse and control of women, it's never going to end. The vigils are meant to raise awareness of domestic violence, and to give men an opportunity to speak and act against it. Kimberly Cook, a professor at the University of Southern Maine, has attended the vigils. She said she is heartened that men are beginning to take responsibility and that good things are happening in Portland.