Sierra Vista hosts 2nd annual domestic violence vigil
By Mark Hays mark.hays@myheradldeview.com Oct 24, 2025
Sierra Vista Chief of Police Chris Hiser speaks at the 2nd annual domestic violence vigil held at the police station
SIERRA VISTA — The Sierra Vista Police Department hosted the city’s 2nd Annual Candlelight Vigil Thursday evening, honoring survivors of domestic violence and remembering those whose lives were lost.
The event, held in partnership with Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc., included remarks from local leaders, survivors, and advocates, along with the reading of names of Arizona residents who died from domestic violence during the past year.
The vigil also recognized Sierra Vista police officers for exemplary investigative work in domestic violence cases and featured a proclamation from Mayor Clea McCaa declaring October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Sierra Vista Police Chief Chris Hiser emphasized to attendees that while the vigil is held annually, the issue demands daily attention.
“Every day, behind these walls, we talk about domestic violence,” he said.
“We look at it as a window… It is that one time a window may open for us to get a good glimpse of something deep, dark, and ugly — an ugly cycle that we finally get to see, because it goes unreported so often.”
He said those moments also offer an opportunity to intervene and save lives.
“It’s a window for us to make a huge difference and to break that cycle and to bring people to safety and save lives,” Hiser said. “Tonight, we stand with the survivors. Help them stay strong and fight that cycle, and we remember the victims.”
Sierra Vista Mayor Clea McCaa delivers on invocation at the vigil.
Dr. Darlene Melk, Chief Medical Officer for Chiricahua Community Health Centers, praised the work of advocates in the organization, such as Rosie Mendoza Chapa, one of the event’s organizers, and reflected on the importance of compassion and persistence in addressing abuse.
“Not every domestic violence case needs to result in prison or jail or even a conviction,” she said. “Through the alternative prosecution program, the offender can get counseling for drugs, alcohol, anger management… We just started yesterday our veterans diversion program in JP5, and we put two people in there.”
She emphasized that resources are available for those in need.
“If you or someone you love is the victim of domestic violence, we at the county attorney’s office are here waiting to help you. You will not be alone.”
The keynote speaker for the vigil was Tara Clayton, a domestic violence survivor, who shared her personal story.
“I survived two physically abusive relationships fueled by drugs, alcohol, and jealousy,” Clayton said. “They perpetuated the idea that love and violence were entwined together… My confidence was broken to the point that I didn’t believe that I deserved it anymore.”
She described a moment that changed her life in 2013, when an assault nearly took her life and left her with a traumatic brain injury.
“That night also gave me clarity,” she said. “My children would never see anything like that…. Every time I share my story, I hope that someone realizes that healing is possible,” she said. “You are not defined by what was done to you, but by what you choose to do next.”
As candles flickered outside the police department, attendees stood in silence to honor the victims and survivors of domestic violence.
“Let these flames remind us that even in the darkest moments, we are the light,” Clayton said. “And when we let that light shine, others will find the courage to stop hiding their own.”
The event concluded with remarks from the Mexican Consul in Douglas, Rita Vargas, who emphasized the importance of providing support to those in crisis.
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