BAY MINETTE, Alabama — A candlelight service will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Baldwin County Courthouse gazebo in Bay Minette, and participants are encouraged to bring photographs of family and friends who have been abused.

District Attorney Hallie Dixon said the multi-agency event will include The Lighthouse, a shelter for battered women, and CAREHouse, where sexually or physically abused children receive counseling.

The event is held every year across the nation. This year’s theme is “Extending the Vision, Reaching Every Victim,” according to information from the District Attorney’s Office.

The event will include a pinwheel garden on the front lawn to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect prevention, visual arts displays to raise awareness of violent crimes, local performers and guest speakers.

For more information, call the District Attorney’s Office at 251-937-0274.