MOSES LAKE - New Hope Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services "took back the night" Thursday.

The annual Take Back the Night event raises awareness of domestic violence. It is the 10th year New Hope has held the event.

More than 100 people gathered at Sinkiuse Square and marched to Frontier Middle School gym, where a table was set with personalized place settings.

The empty place settings represented people who have died from domestic violence. "An Empty Place at the Table" is part of a national effort to raise awareness of domestic violence.

One place setting, set for Edna Simmons, was close to New Hope volunteer Bennie Jordan's heart.

"Family violence is also a severe crime," she said. "In March of this year, one of our own citizens of Moses Lake, Edna Simmons, age 88, was murdered. Her son was incarcerated and waiting for trial of the murder of his mother. The mother of five children, the grandmother of eight, and the great grandmother of four. Edna was my neighbor. She took her secrets of violence by her son to her grave."

Simmons' daughter placed a setting at the table with Edna's own china and personal items to remember her mother.

"That's why we are here, is the people that are not with us and those that are still fighting the battle," said Grant County Commissioner Cindy Carter. "I think that's why this is so important to all of us. We all have a personal interest to help stop this violence."

Three survivors of domestic violence shared their stories with people in attendance.

Amanda Garcia described a relationship with a man who became increasingly jealous and controlling.

Erin Allred's story of abuse was similar. She described a relationship with a man who was controlling and verbally abusive, ultimately escalating to severe physical violence.

Penny Quist described the painful period after she was raped by her husband.

While each survivor's story was marked by a tinge of sadness, they also celebrated the hope of surviving their ordeal. Quist concluded on that hopeful note.

"Although marks may never completely fade, your own light will overshadow the darkness as you take back the night," she said.

At the end of the event, people gathered outside with candles and stood in a circle. Before each candle was lit, each person read aloud the name of a Washington resident who died as a result of domestic violence. Each candle lit up in remembrance of a life domestic violence has snuffed out.

For more information on New Hope, call 509-764-8402.

New Hope has a 24 hour-7 day a week hotline for domestic violence survivors at 1-888-560-6027.