By Michael Gelbwasser, Contributing Writer
Photo/Michael Gelbwasser
Shrewsbury – A candlelight vigil held on Shrewsbury Common Oct. 15 for domestic violence victims and survivors drew record participation.
And while domestic violence deaths in Massachusetts are down considerably since 2010, “I think when people start making it their own issue, that’s when we’re going to see meaningful change,” said Julie Ingersoll, a member of the Against Domestic Violence in Shrewsbury Education (ADVISE) project.
ADVISE and Saheli, which advocates for South Asian women, co-sponsored the event, the groups’ fourth. Approximately 40 people were attendance, Ingersoll said.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As such, events such as the candlelight vigil are “vitally important,” said Edward Karcasinas, a first district attorney and head of the domestic violence unit for Worcester County DA Joseph Early Jr.
“A lot of people are isolated from it. The more people that we expose to it, the more likely they are to participate and not be a bystander,” he said.
“There is growing awareness, but we need to emphasize it year-round, not just when a tragedy happens,” he added.
Seven domestic violence deaths have occurred in Massachusetts this year, down from 35 in 2010, said Ingersoll.
Their names were read during the vigil. A chime rang and a candle was lit for each one.
Vigil participants then were invited to light a candle for a victim or survivor.
Also during the vigil, local clergy led the participants in prayers. The group recited some sections together.
The program also offered resources for helping people who are “unsafe at home,” including the toll-free number for the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-7233.
