Poco Davis sees the correlation between substance abuse and domestic violence every day.
As a drug and alcohol counselor for families in Las Vegas, Davis, 56, teaches relationship skills to clients and has for several years.
She experienced abuse first-hand as a teenager with a violent boyfriend.
"It had a great impact on me. I realized that I thought it was OK to be a victim," said Davis, governor of the Sierra Nevada Region of Soroptimist International.
"At 18 or 19, I said to myself, 'This isn't going to happen again.'"
Davis said it took practice, but she learned to put herself first.
"I became determined not to accept certain behavior from a partner, associate or friend, and if I saw any gleanings of that kind of behavior, I would leave the situation."
Carson Valley Soroptimist Liz Bricker recommended Davis as the keynote speaker for Monday's 9th annual Candlelight Vigil at Lampe Park sponsored by the Purple Ribbon Coalition and Family Support Council.
The event commemorates victims of domestic violence who have lost their lives and those victims still in abusive relationships.
"What we see with our clientele is someone in 85 to 95 percent of families has been abusing substances," Davis said. "It's not only alcohol. Methamphetamine abuse is real big. Violence and domestic violence is very much part of their existence."
Davis said her work can be heartbreaking, but she experiences many miracles.
"Once they are able to stabilize themselves without addiction, the violent tendencies disappear in most of the relationships," she said.
"You have no idea who is going to get it. When you see a look, when you see and addict come in and laughing, that keeps you going. What makes it exciting is you never know what that one little tiny thing will be that changes their lives."
Monday's vigil is open to the public and begins at 6 p.m. at the Pavilion at Lampe Park.
Doves are to be released to symbolize freedom for domestic violence victims.
At 6:30 p.m., participants will walk with lit candles to the Family Support Council led by bagpiper Rick James who is to play "Amazing Grace."
Participants include the Douglas County Sheriff's Office color guard, dignitaries, clergy and community members.
Kelli Johnson, Family Support Council executive director, will introduce Davis.
Refreshments will be served at Lampe Park and the Family Support Council office.
Information, 782-8692
DETAILS
The Purple Ribbon Coalition and Family Support Council invite the community to the 9th annual Candlelight Vigil at 6 p.m. Monday at Lampe Park and the Family Support Council, 1255 Waterloo, Suite A. Doves will be released at Lampe Park and at 6:30 p.m., participants will walk with lit candles to the Family Support Council office. Poco Davis, governor of the Sierra Nevada Region Soroptimist International, is the guest speaker. Information, 782-8692.
