Since the 1970's Somerville organizations have led the effort to raise awareness on domestic violence issues. Here, artwork by victims hangs in the Somerville Police Department.~ Photo by Jeremy F. van der Heiden

By Jeremy F. van der Heiden

The city’s annual domestic violence vigil last week could have doubled as a history lesson. Since the 1970’s Somerville organizations have led the effort to raise awareness on domestic violence issues.

In the mid-1970’s, RESPOND, Inc., an organization that works to prevent domestic violence and provides services to victims of it, was started in Somerville, making it the first in New England and second in the nation.

In the early-1980’s the Somerville Police Department opened the Family Services Domestic Violence Unit, the first such unit in the state.

The moves influenced other communities and organizations across the state and nation to respond more effectively to abusive relationships, said acting Police Chief Michael Cabral.

Wednesday’s vigil highlighted the steps that have been taken within the city against domestic violence and what steps still need to be taken.

Keynote speaker and former director of the state’s domestic violence task-force, Jean Haertl said only seven other states outside of Massachusetts have passed domestic violence legislation. Heartl  commended Somerville for the leadership they have provided towards this social problem, pointing out how Somerville “is one of the few cities in the Commonwealth that has central policies on domestic violence.”

Haertl said authorities should focus anti-domestic violence efforts toward the workplace. Domestic violence homicide is the second leading cause of death in the workplace for women.  She established that “many victims of domestic violence go to work everyday paralyzed with fear, suffering silently as the effects of abuse jeopardize their safety and ability to work.”

Hillary Forbes of RESPOND, Inc., said “since January 1 of this year, there has been one domestic violence related death in Massachusetts a day, on average.”  She said, “one in four women, one in four gay and lesbian, and one in two transgendered people will face domestic violence at some point in their life.”

RESPOND, Inc. offers a 24-hour anonymous crisis hot line, an emergency shelter, comprehensive children’s services, support groups, individual counseling, legal advocacy, community outreach and educational programs.

Co-chair of the Somerville Women’s Commission Nancy Bocci extended the invitation to take advantage of the city’s resources, as well as those of private organizations, to seek out help to get out of domestic violence situations. After a moment of silence, Bocci closed the night by saying “we as a community stand together.”

For any more information on domestic violence and how to get help, conatact RESPOND Inc. at their hotline number (617) 623-5900, or their website www.respondinc.org.