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Hundreds march against domestic violence

By Kristine Uyeno - bio | email

HONOLULU (KHNL) -- Hundreds gathered at the state capitol today, to remember those who lost their lives to domestic violence.

They held a march and rally, urging people to end the violence.

One by one, they read the names of people who died.

Each with a chilling story.

Ben Llicuna shared the tragedy that still haunts him.

"One day I came home from work and my brother said there's a hostage situation in Village Park," said Ben Llicuna.

Llicuna says his mother and sister were killed by his sister's ex-boyfriend. Llicuna believes people can stop the violence by getting involved.

"Call the cops, knock on the door, put yourself in harm's way," he said.

Llicuna is part of a large group honoring victims who died in Hawaii this past year. Also there paying their respects: Honolulu's finest. They also participated in the 15th annual Men's March Against Violence. They're standing up for those who need their support.

"And because of their situation, we are here today, must be their soldiers, fighting their battles, and fighting their wars," said Sen. Will Espero.

They also encourage parents to pass along the message of non-violence to the younger generation so they can break the cycle for good.

"That's the most selfish thing a person can do, is take away their loved one," said Llicuna.

The march was sponsored by Catholic Charities Hawaii, the Domestic Violence Action Center and Kapiolani Community College.