In light of a "horrific" increase in domestic homicides this year, a Bloomington advocacy service is holding a vigil Monday for this year's more than 30 domestic abuse and violence victims.

The vigil, organized by Cornerstone as part of October's Domestic Violence Awareness Month, will take place rain or shine from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at Purgatory Creek Park in Eden Prairie. An estimated 500 people are expected to attend.

"We haven't had this many domestic homicides in decades," executive director Susan Neis said. "This has been an appalling year."

Candles will be lit to honor victims and missing women such as Mandy Matula, 24, of Eden Prairie, who disappeared five months ago. She was last seen with her ex-boyfriend, who later killed himself.

"The anguish these families are going through, it's so hard. And for the Matula family in particular, they don't have closure," Neis said. "The only good that can come out of this is greater awareness for everyday people."

KELLY SMITH

@kellystrib