A small group of people gathered in front of the Prince George Provincial Court House Friday night, holding a candlelight vigil to commemorate International Human Rights day.
Candles were lit to recognize both the violence against women that happens around the world, and the event also marked the city's proclamation of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence.
"Violence against women affects everyone, directly or indirectly. We are here to say enough is enough," said Catharine Kendall, who works with the Justice Education Society.
Though a small showing, the event was both emotional and powerful for those in attendance.
Judge Randy Walker attended the event, and said it supporting a cause was really a "no-brainer."
"I've seen too much violence, period, and much of it was against women," Walker said. "I came to give support, mostly because it makes my heart feel good.
"I have four granddaughters and don't want to see them subjected to the things I've heard in the courtroom."
The Justice Education Society partnered with We Can End All Violence against Women to put on the vigil. We Can is an international campaign seeking to end gender-based violence, involving more than 60 organizations across British Columbia.
Violence against women is a particularly pronounced around the Prince George region, something Sharon Hurd, executive director for the Phoenix Transition House, said she has had enough of.
"All I can think of is Cindy Maas. I knew Cindy, and her beautiful baby. I can't stand to think of what happened to her," said Hurd. "I always expect women to be able to live as long as I have. And to work through the challenges of life."
She said the public needs to be speaking out - to be shouting out the names of the missing and murdered women, on a regular basis.
"I am very angry. We need to be loud."
After the vigil, some made the their way to join the international Write-a-Thon with Amnesty International at Arts Space. The intent is to have as many letters written as possible, as well as signing cards.
The letters focused on 11 different cases from around the world where people have had their rights violated, said George Harding, the Prince George contact for Amnesty.
The event included dances from a youth group from Yinka dene and from the Excalibur Theatre Arts Co. and a ceremony in which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 were read out, and candles lit.
"This is a chance for people to commemorate the anniversary, learn about what Amnesty does and actually participate and do something," said Harding.
