FULL STORY: https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/columbus-data-drive-approach-addressing-domestic-violence/530-377479ec-bfa0-44db-892b-4baa0b959929 At Columbus City Hall on Wednesday night, survivors and advocates gathered alongside city leaders for a ceremony marking the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The evening featured a candlelight vigil, a moment of silence and the symbolic lighting of city hall in purple — a color long associated with domestic violence awareness and survivor support. Diana Williams, a domestic violence survivor who founded Ohio Women Against Domestic Violence three years ago, was among the featured speakers and pushed back tears as she reflected on the progress she's seen. "Three years ago, we were standing out here, about 12 of us with signs, asking everyone driving down the street to blow their horns on the first, and that was our kickoff," she told those gathered outside city hall. "It's grown to this. So, I mean, I'm so emotional right now." “While this month is about raising awareness, it’s also about raising our voices — saying together that silence is no longer an option," she said during the program. City Attorney Zach Klein, whose office organized the event, said domestic violence is the single most important issue his office prosecutes. “Unfortunately, we handle thousands of domestic violence cases every year. The numbers have not improved — which is why it’s more important than ever to have this event. The crowds continue to grow, the awareness continues to rise because we all have a role to play," he told 10TV. "There are resources out there. You're not alone, and we're here to help." Williams emphasized that part of that role is remembering those who didn’t survive. “For some of us, we have lost family members and friends to the homicide of domestic violence," she said. "And for this, we light a candle and pause for a moment of silence.” City leaders and advocates attending on Wednesday said Columbus will continue to shine a light on the issue.