JDI Joins HarborCOV and Winthrop Community to Hold Candlelight Vigil In Memory of Victims of Domestic Violence

October 22, 2011

Winthrop, MA - HarborCOV, the local domestic violence program serving the Winthrop, East Boston, Revere and Chelsea communities, and Winthrop community members will hold a candlelight vigil to raise awareness about the lethality of domestic violence during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at the E.B. Newton School and Cultural Center, 45 Pauline St., at 5:30 p.m.

“Domestic violence is everyone’s business and does not discriminate based on race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,” said Kourou Pich, HarborCOV Co-Executive Director. “We must realize that this type of violence affects all of us, and we need to take a stand to educate and support our friends, neighbors and families.”

According to Jane Doe Inc., the Massachusetts Coalition against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, since January 1, 2011 there have been a total 27 domestic violence homicides across the state.

So far in 2011, the Winthrop Police have responded to 252 Domestic-related calls, including 29 209-A restraining order violations and domestic violence arrests. The East Boston Court, which serves Winthrop residents, has issued 134 209A restraining orders; of those, 97 are still active and 37 have expired. Winthrop Police Chief Terrence Delehanty said, “Domestic violence is a serious problem in our community, and we cannot continue to minimize the risks involved in abusive relationships.”

The Oct. 11 vigil will include local community leaders, residents and domestic violence advocates such as the Winthrop Police Department, The Winthrop Senior Center, First United Methodist Church of Winthrop, the Network/La Red, Jane Doe Inc., and the Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project (GMDVP). The public is invited and encouraged to participate in raising awareness.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, speak out and seek help. There are programs across Massachusetts that provide free and confidential services, including SafeLink, a 24-hour statewide hotline, at 1-877-785-2020, HarborCOV’s 24-hour hotline at 617-884-9909.