While the 26,297 domestic violence incidents that were reported to law enforcement in Massachusetts in 2024 marks a slight decrease from the total reported incidents in 2023, murders and non-negligent manslaughter cases spiked by 19.23% and intimidation cases rose by 8%, according to the State Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team’s 2025 report.
To honor those who have lost their lives to domestic violence, and connect those who are still facing domestic violence situations with the resources they need, the nation recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an occasion that inspires a series of community awareness events in Franklin County.
On Thursday, Oct. 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the Franklin County/North Quabbin Domestic Violence Task Force, will host a “Voices Carry: Honoring Domestic Violence Survivors” event at Los Tres Hermanos restaurant on Fiske Avenue in Greenfield.
The event will welcome survivors and their loved ones to share their personal experiences with domestic violence, as well as connect them with organizations that offer resources and support. Spanish interpretation will be provided following each speaker’s remarks.
“Creating opportunities for survivors and loved ones to share their experiences can help ensure that their voices are heard and that our community understands that support is available,” Erin Aiello, chief of the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit, said in a statement. “Domestic violence affects our entire community, and addressing it requires all of us to listen, support survivors, and work together to create a community where everyone feels safe and supported.”
The event is free to attend and will include a moment of silence honoring those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. A performance by Fiery Hope, a chorus that sings to promote healing, hope and connection, is also planned.
In neighboring Montague, the Selectboard voted unanimously last week to accept a proclamation from the Montague Board of Health declaring October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In recognition, the town plans to put purple lights outside Town Hall to coincide with The Heartwing Center’s second annual “Light the Bridge” event, slated for Thursday, Oct. 22.
“We’re trying to create a visualization down Avenue A,” said Heather Wood, executive director of The Heartwing Center. “You’ll start to see purple hearts going up in business windows and then we’ll come together as a community for one evening.”
Wood said there will be candles lighting the way across the Turners Falls-Gill Bridge, and at 6 p.m., there will be a gathering at the Great Falls Discovery Center to reflect on the impacts of domestic violence and honor survivors.
In speaking to the Selectboard, Montague Health Director Ashley Gough explained that domestic violence has significant impacts on public health.
“When people think about domestic violence, they think of it primarily as a criminal justice matter. While law enforcement plays an essential role in responding to abuse, domestic violence is also a public health concern because of its widespread impact on the health, safety and well-being of individuals, families and communities,” Gough said. “The effects of domestic violence often extend far beyond the immediate incident.”
Gough went on to say that domestic violence can lead to chronic injuries or illness, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders and other health impacts for the victim, as well as any children who may witness the abuse.
If you or a loved one are facing a domestic violence situation, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 800-799-SAFE (7233). For more resources, visit northwesternda.org/1229/Domestic-Violence-Resources.
