The team of city officials and advocates devoted to fostering safe environments who stand in solidarity with survivors and victims of domestic abuse and uphold justice for everyone in Somerville. Photograph courtesy of the City of Somerville.

By  The Times Staff 

The time has come to end senseless violence, said city officials at the annual vigil that honors victims of domestic violence.

The city held the vigil on October 30 to bring light to the victims of domestic violence, renewing their commitment to uphold justice. City officials recognized the strength of survivors and honored the lives of those individuals who passed, in front of the East Somerville Library at 6 p.m.

“As a community, we must come together to support those impacted by domestic violence and stand in solidarity with survivors and victims,” said Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. “This vigil is a time for us to reflect, to remember, and to reaffirm our commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone in Somerville.”

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior perpetrated by another person within an intimate relationship in order to maintain power and control through intimidation, physical assault, battery or sexual assault.

Mayor Ballantyne says that prevention and support is critical, but that changing the culture which allows abuse to continue is at the core of the issue.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the city encourages people to get involved in the cause by volunteering and advocating for stronger protections for survivors, or simply by listening to someone in need.

“Together we can break the cycle of abuse and create a future where everyone in our community feels safe, appreciated and heard,” said Mayor Ballantyne, while addressing the gathering at the vigil.

One in four women and one in seven men will experience physical violence with an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime, according to the CDC.

“Together we will continue to shine a light on the darkness and to work towards a future free from violence,” said Mayor Ballantyne.

Representative Christine P. Barber (D-34th Middlesex) said some positive changes have been made to support survivors of domestic violence. On June 20, 2024, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed a bill that classifies coercive control as a form of domestic violence.

“It was really a testament to the advocates and the survivors who told their stories and worked for years to get this bill passed. I’m really grateful for all who stepped up to do that,” said Rep. Barber.

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that demands our attention, empathy and collective action, explained Racial and Social Justice Commissions Coordinator Latoya Saulters. “We are committed to fostering safe environments and providing the resources necessary to support survivors and prevent future violence.”

“Each candle that we raise represents a life whose light was dimmed too soon by domestic violence,” said Amanda Nagim-Williams, Director of the Department of Racial and Social Justice. “Your presence and participation here tonight sends a powerful message: In our city survivors are not alone and not forgotten.”

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan says that most of the fatalities in domestic violence cases are the result of individuals who suffered from mental illness.

This year in Middlesex County, there have been five fatal domestic violence cases, which cost the lives of seven people. “That is an immeasurable tragedy, especially because two of them are children,” said District Attorney Ryan.

“While you can certainly argue that anyone who takes someone’s life is struggling with a mental health issue, in all but one of these cases there was a very clear, documented history of mental illness,” said District Attorney Ryan.

Things have improved a lot over the decades, thanks to organizations like RESPOND, Inc. that partners with individuals, families and communities to end domestic violence.

“We gather to honor those whose lives have been tragically lost and to stand united as a community with a shared commitment to end domestic violence,” said Victoria Helberg, Chief Executive Officer of Respond, Inc.

“You are not alone,” said Helberg. “You deserve support, you deserve safety and a life free from fear. Believe in your strength and reach out for help, whether it’s through RESPOND, through the Somerville Police Department or any other local organization.”

Christina Morone from the Somerville Commission for Women said there is a ripple effect from domestic violence cases that can affect the entire community.

“Domestic violence robs individuals of their dignity, their security and sometimes their very lives,” she said.

Morone said that it is essential to remember that domestic violence is not just a private matter, it is a public issue.

“It is a violation of human rights, it’s a threat to public health and a breach of our shared responsibilities to protect one another,” Morone said.

The ceremony ended by honoring the lives of those individuals who passed between October 1, 2023 – October 30, 2024, as a result of domestic violence. Their names, age, city, and the date of their untimely death were read aloud. Each of the 29 candles represented the individuals who died in the State of Massachusetts this past year as a result of domestic violence.

One of the shirts created for the Clothesline Project, which hopes to bring awareness to the individuals who died as a result of domestic violence.

Following the ceremony, the city asked if people would like to create a t-shirt in honor of a victim or survivor of domestic violence. The Clothesline Project is a visual display of shirts with graphic messages designed by women survivors of domestic violence.

Any community can create their own Clothesline Project and participate in the broader movement. Creating shirts serves as a tribute and a means of conveying the message.