Crime victims and survivors gather for day of remembrance at Arkansas State Capitol

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Saturday at the state capitol, crime victims and survivors gathered to commemorate a day of remembrance for those killed and the survivors who are grieving their loss.

Many people held photos of their loved one and shared the impact and personal stories of violence in our communities like Bilenda Harris-Ritter whose parents were murdered.

Families of murder victims come together on the steps of Arkansas State Capitol

She says even though pain, there is joy in leaning on others who know what she's feeling.

"It is a pain you cannot know unless you've been through it and so to be in a group where other people can also feel that pain it is also comfort like no one else can really understand," Harris-Ritter said.

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This event was sponsored by the Central Arkansas Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children, a national self-help organization dedicated solely to the aftermath and prevention of murder.

Anyone who needs emotional support can call their 24-hour crisis hotline at 501-351-7662.