By Jerry Callaghan, Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – Once again the bells rang. Once again candles were lit. And once again, the citizens of Shrewsbury came together to show support for victims of domestic violence at a candle light vigil sponsored by ADVISE.
Held Oct. 11 on the Shrewsbury Town Common, the vigil sought to bring light to the problem of domestic violence.
As the organization states on its website, “The goal of ADVISE is to break the cycle of domestic violence by working together with the community, through education, intervention, and support. ADVISE works closely with the Shrewsbury Police Department, Shrewsbury Community Services, and other agencies and organizations.”
Since January of this year, 19 Massachusetts residents have lost their lives to domestic violence – the youngest victim only six years old.
Multiple speakers at the vigil spoke of the help available for victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence.
Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito spoke of the Baker-Polito administration’s decision to look at the opioid problem in Massachusetts not as an addiction problem but as a health epidemic. She said the same is needed when looking at the problem of domestic violence.
“It is a health epidemic,” she said. “We need to help individuals in these dark places.”
Rev. Andrew Heisen of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Shrewsbury spoke of “walking with those who need to find services.”
“You will be believed,” he added. “Victims don’t have to do that alone.”
For more information on ADVISE, call 508-842-0056 or visit shrewsburyma.gov/438/ADVISE-Domestic-Violence-Education.