A brown paper tree, its rainbow-colored leaves decorated with the dreams and hopes of abuse survivors, was a focal point at Monday night’s “Fallen Leaves Bring New Growth” domestic violence vigil.

Self-expression through artwork like the paper tree and its leaves played a significant role at the Safe Passage meeting, which emphasized moving on from a history of abuse. Safe Passage is a domestic abuse prevention organization which helps victims find work, homes and offers shelter, among other things.

The vigil, held at the DeKalb Area Women’s Center, 1021 State St., featured an artistic display called the OnStage gallery. To fit with the night’s theme, Safe Passage staff members, domestic abuse survivors and their children shared poetry and artwork that was pinned around the tree. Those who attended were also invited to take a microphone and read poems, sing and tell their stories.

“This is a way of advocating for Safe Passage,” said Anna Marie Coveny, OnStage gallery director. “This is a way for sharing with the community at large. This is a way for thanking volunteers for their work throughout the year.”

Linda Moser, Safe Passage executive director, said the open mic aspect of the night was “empowering to the people who speak and to the people who listen.”

Several women took advantage of the open mic portion of the night to thank Safe Passage.

“They were there, arms wide open, doors wide open,” survivor Jessica King said during the open mic. “They have helped me to be a better person.”

The night also focused on the individuals and organizations that helped Safe Passage in the past. Sexual assault director Lisa Jensen and Sarah Van Meter, Children’s Counselor and Community Educator, passed out awards to TransVac, 25 Women Who Cook and DeKalb Police Sgt. Jason Leverton. TransVac has helped transport women who live or receive help at Safe Passage while 25 Women Who Cook prepares a holiday meal for the group, free of charge, every year.

Leverton was honored for his commitment to training “almost every single police officer” in preventing domestic violence and helping those who are abused, Jensen said. DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen accepted the award on behalf of Leverton.

At the end of the night, those gathered for the vigil went for a candlelit walk.

“They walked through the community to represent that women should be able to walk alone at night,” Moser said.

Moser said she believed “Fallen Leaves Bring New Growth” was a success.

At the end of the night, attendees walked around the OnStage gallery and viewed the artwork. At the paper tree’s bottom are pinned decayed-looking leaves. Words are printed across them: rage, nightmares, denial. These are the leaves that have fallen away from the survivors and represent their past. At the top of the tree, the new batch of leaves carry words of encouragement. One read, “Keep telling until someone helps.”

“I think the program is very inspiring, and yet it’s a sombering experience,” Coveny said. “Women are so courageous to stand in front of the crowd and talk.”