Cambridge Observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

A candlelight vigil will be held on the steps of Cambridge City Hall at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 5 in observance of national Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“The City of Cambridge has a long history of working to end domestic and gender-based violence, but we still have more to do,” said Liz Speakman, Coordinator of the Cambridge Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Prevention Initiative. “We will continue to work hard to change attitudes, behaviors, policies and practices to prevent and bring attention to domestic and gender-based violence.”

The vigil will commemorate the 16 Massachusetts women and men who lost their lives to domestic violence in the past year. Local service agencies will have resources for survivors and information for the community on how to recognize and talk about domestic violence.

Other Cambridge events include a discussion with author Kathleen Cash on Oct. 19, a Purple Thursday campaign on Oct. 20, and a faith leader workshop on Oct. 28-29. For more information about local activities, go to the city’s Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Prevention Initiative web page.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Domestic Violence Vigil and Silent Witness Initiative Exhibit
Oct. 5
6 p.m., Cambridge City Hall lawn, 795 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. The vigil will commemorate the 16 Massachusetts women, men, and children who lost their lives to domestic violence this year. Life-size wooden silhouettes of domestic violence victims will be on display at the vigil.

A Revolutionary Practice of Public Storytelling: Addressing Violence Against Women through Community Conversation
Oct. 19
7 p.m.-8 p.m., Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge. A discussion and Q&A with author and educator Kathleen Cash, Ed.D. Cash is the author of Sex, Shame and Violence: A Revolutionary Practice of Public Storytelling in Poor Communities (2016).

 
Purple Thursday
Oct. 20
People who live and work in Cambridge are invited to wear purple on Thursday, Oct. 20, and post photos of themselves on Twitter using the hashtag #PurpleThursday. This national campaign honors victims and supports survivors of domestic violence.

Faith Leader Workshop on Domestic Violence: Resources for Counseling Survivors and Abusers
Oct. 28-29
This two-part workshop will provide tools for working with survivors and abusers in relationships affected by domestic violence. Upon completion of this workshop, attendees will gain:

• An understanding of the dynamics and impact of domestic violence
• Ability to identify indicators and tell-tale signs of domestic violence
• Tools to open a dialogue with those who have been affected by domestic violence
• Skills for providing care and appropriate referrals to both parties in a safe and productive way

To register or for more information about this free workshop, go to www.cambridgema.gov/domesticviolence or contact Shameka Gregory at 617-868-1650 or sgregory@transitionhouse.org. The workshop is sponsored by the Cambridge Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Prevention Initiative, Transition House, and Emerge.