MANSFIELD — As domestic violence deaths reach a decade high in Ohio, the community gathered for a candlelight vigil.

Wednesday evening, Riedl Hall at The Ohio State University at Mansfield located at 1760 University Drive, hosted a night of remembrance for those who have lost their lives to domestic violence.

‘It is really scary when no one believes you’

Executive Director of The Shelter, Colleen Rice, sat down with domestic violence survivor Alesia Litteral to share her story and raise awareness about the ongoing crisis.

“My story is unbelievable to comprehend,” Litteral said. “And no one wanted to listen.”

She spoke about the challenges many victims face when their experiences aren’t believed.

“People need to believe these things,” she said. “They really do happen, and it’s so scary when no one believes you. It makes you question who you can go to.”

Litteral also discussed the lasting effects of domestic violence and encouraged the community to get involved in efforts to end it.

When asked what advice she would give to others currently experiencing domestic violence, she urged them to reach out for help.

She said most people are afraid to speak out, believing it will make them look weak, asking for help is the strongest thing you can do.

“The Shelter has helped me more in the past month than I have had in the past six years,” she said.

She added therapy has made her stronger than ever, along with what she has gone through.

Other speakers at the candlelight vigil included Alicia Bailey, vice president of The Shelter’s board; Richland County Commissioner Tony Vero; the Rev. Dr. Faith Proietti, a Shelter board member; Natasha Harris, an advocate for The Shelter; and yoga instructors Dave and Shelley Yocheim of Yoga with Shelley and YO.

Domestic violence statistics according to ODVN

The Ohio Domestic Violence Network’s (ODVN) latest report recorded 157 fatalities in 108 intimate partner violence cases between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025 — an increase from 114 fatalities the previous year.

Now in its 10th year, the ODVN report tracks cases reported by the media, offering a sobering view of the statewide trend:

  • 2025: 157
  • 2024: 114
  • 2023: 112
  • 2022: 112
  • 2021: 131
  • 2020: 109
  • 2019: 91
  • 2018: 115
  • 2017: 101
  • 2016: 81

Of those fatalities this year, 95 were victims and 62 were perpetrators. There were 84% caused by gun violence, with 144 people shot and only 12 survivors. More than half of the victims (56%) were people of color, and ages ranged from 4 months to 89 years old.

Among the 11 children who were killed, some died at the hands of their parents or caregivers. While 36 children witnessed a parent’s murder.

The report also showed data on intimate partner violence:

  • 55% had previous criminal charges (37% involving felonies)
  • 16% had a record of stalking
  • 12% had prior incidents of strangulation

While responding to these incidents, officers faced danger, resulting in one death and one injury. Eleven cases required SWAT intervention, and one resulted in an Amber Alert.

In Richland County, authorities documented three fatalities tied to intimate partner violence during the reporting period.

The ODVN report found that violence often occurred as relationships were ending or had recently ended — a factor in at least 35% of cases. There were 40 murder-suicides and four attempted murder-suicides statewide.

Since its founding in 1978, The Domestic Violence Shelter, Inc. has grown from a small volunteer effort into a resource for survivors, offering emergency housing, a 24-hour crisis hotline, legal advocacy and specialized services for those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

(Photos from the candlelight vigil. Credit: Hannah Martin)