Honor Survivors at the City of Cambridge and Transition House’s Annual Domestic Violence Vigil October 13

The City of Cambridge’s Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Prevention Initiative and the Transition House will be hosting their annual Domestic Violence Vigil on Tuesday, October 13 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month and honor those lost to domestic violence in Massachusetts over the past year.

The vigil will be held on the front steps of Cambridge City Hall, which is located at 795 Massachusetts Avenue. All members of the community are invited to attend. Local domestic violence prevention agencies will have resources for survivors and information for the community on how to recognize and talk about domestic violence. Additionally, the event will include the distribution of purple ribbons, performances by a cellist and poetry, remarks from City and community leaders, activities for children, and a moment of silence.

A rain date is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20.

Since last year’s Domestic Violence Vigil, 13 lives were tragically lost to domestic violence in Massachusetts. The victims were adult females and males between the ages of 18 and 62 years old.

In addition to the ceremony, The Silent Witness Exhibit will be on display throughout the day. The Silent Witness Exhibit is a visual memorial to victims of domestic violence, which honors their lives and raises awareness of the issue. The exhibit features life-size, silhouettes of victims, often with shields that display the stories of those they represent. 

Throughout October, the City of Cambridge will be sharing domestic violence-related information and confidential resources on its social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky and Threads). The resources, which are available for survivors and partners who are abusive in their relationship, are intended to reflect on their relationships, help them understand what can encompass an abusive relationship, and what help is available.  

For more information about the Vigil and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, please contact dgbvpi@cambridgema.gov.