By Jerry Callaghan, Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – Thirteen times a small bell broke the night’s silence . Thirteen times a candle was lit. Each had it’s own sad story. Each represented a life lost in Massachusetts to domestic violence. So far, in 2016, 11 women and 2 men have been murdered in the state by an intimate partner.
A vigil was held on the Shrewsbury Town Common Oct. 19 to remember those whose lives were cut short by violence. The vigil was organized by ADVISE (Against Domestic Violence in Shrewsbury Education Project) and Saheli (Advocacy for South Asian women).
The theme of the vigil was “How can we help?” The speakers included Julie Nason from ADVISE, Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr., Shrewsbury Sgt. Detective Mike Cappucci, State Rep. Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury), Rev. Robert Hyde from the First Congregational Church in Shrewsbury and YMCA Manager Karen Riley-McNary, director of community intervention, YMCA Central Massachusetts. All offered a strong voice to end domestic violence as well as sources where victims can turn to for help
One participant, Rajoo Ananih, reflected on the evening with these words: “What have I done this past year to help this cause? I hope we won’t have as many candles next year.”
For more information:
- ADVISE hotline: (508) 842-0056
- Saheli (866) 4SAHELI1
- National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233
Local women’s and children’s shelters:
- YWCA Daybreak (508) 755-4030 (24 hours)
- Abbey’s House (508) 756-5486
Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services (508) 845-6932
Photos/Jerry Callaghan
