Somerville Inviting Community to Join Annual Vigil Honoring Victims of Domestic Violence

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, the Somerville Commission for Women, RESPOND, Inc., the Somerville Public Library, and the Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) invite residents to attend the City’s annual Domestic Violence Vigil on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. This annual vigil is dedicated to commemorating the lives lost to domestic violence in the past year, recognizing the strength of survivors, and renewing our community’s dedication to eradicating domestic violence. 

“As a community, we must come together to support those impacted by domestic violence and stand in solidarity with survivors and victims, said Mayor 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.” 

The 2024 Somerville Domestic Violence Vigil will begin at 6 p.m. at the East Somerville Library (115 Broadway). If there is rain, the vigil will move indoors to Connexion, 149 Broadway. The event is free and open to the public. Light food and refreshments will be provided. There will be American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation at the event. If you would like to attend, please consider RSVPing in advance here. 

Attendees will be invited to raise a candle in remembrance of domestic violence victims and participate in the Clothesline Project – an interactive community art project that raises awareness about domestic violence. A display will be presented from attendees who participated in the Clothesline Project at last year’s vigil and this year’s attendees will be invited to again participate in the community art project. 

"This annual candlelight vigil provides a space for us to honor the women, men, and children whose lives were tragically taken by acts of domestic violence this year. By coming together as a community, we show solidarity to our neighbors in need and reaffirm personal commitments to breaking the cycle of violence. We invite everyone to join us in this powerful evening of remembrance as we work towards a future where every person can live free from fear and abuse," shared Kimberly Sheridan, Somerville Commission for Women Co-Chair. 

Victoria Helberg, Chief Executive Officer of Respond INC., shared that “Domestic violence continues to affect far too many lives, leaving a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. 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. Together, we have the strength to drive meaningful change; it’s through our collective efforts that we can break the cycle and create a safer future for everyone.”  

For more information about the vigil, please contact Latoya Saulters, Commissions Coordinator, at lsaulters@somervillema.gov or (857) 274-2719. 

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.

Interpretation into any language is available upon advance request (at least seven days in advance) by contacting the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs at somervillema.gov/ContactSomerViva or calling 311 at 617-666-3311.  

This event will be videotaped by the City’s GovTV team. Watch it on-demand with optional closed-captioning (select the CC icon) on YouTube.com/SomervilleCityTV. Or watch on cable TV at GovTV Comcast Ch. 22 and GovTV Astound (RCN) Ch. 13 & 613.  Videos generally post within one business day of recording.