BE THE LIGHT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE survivors' ADVOCACY

---

Danvers, MA — On Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 7 PM, Be the Light Ministry at All Saints Episcopal Church of the North Shore will hold its annual Domestic Violence (DV) Vigil as part of the national Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This inclusive, nondenominational event brings people together to stand against domestic violence and speak out against it. Every person and child has been affected by domestic violence, either directly or indirectly. The vigil will be held in All Saints’ sanctuary, located at 46 Cherry Street, across from Danvers Town Hall. This community DV event is free and open to everyone.

This solemn and powerful evening provides healing and empowerment for survivors while raising community awareness about domestic violence. The event will feature testimonies from survivors who have endured and overcome trauma due to DV. Also participating will be Sara Stanley, Executive Director of HAWC, as well as other survivor advocates and faith leaders who work with, support, and walk alongside DV survivors and families. Be The Light, which has a years-long history of working with HAWC and other advocates, aims to raise awareness about abuse and domestic violence, emphasizing the human toll on survivors and communities. Domestic violence remains a silent epidemic, and everyone in every community has a duty to speak out and take action to hold abusers accountable.

“This vigil is not only a space for remembrance and healing,” said The Rev. Ann Perrott, Bridge Priest at All Saints. “It is a call for awareness and solidarity. Domestic violence affects every community, and we must continue to listen, learn, and respond.”

“Together, we shine a light in the darkness. Together, we say: no more,” said Debra L., DV advocate and leader of the Be the Light Ministry. “Domestic violence thrives on silence! We will not be silenced!”

A Growing Crisis

Domestic violence remains one of the most pressing public health issues in the United States. In 2025, the numbers are staggering:

• 10      million people are affected by domestic violence each year
• 24      people per minute become victims of intimate partner violence
• 41%      of women and 26% of men report experiencing contact violence or stalking      in their lifetime
• The      economic burden of domestic violence is estimated at $3.6 trillion over      victims’ lifetimes
• In      Massachusetts alone, more than 60% of women report experiencing some form      of domestic violence

These numbers continue to rise annually, underscoring the need for education, prevention, and community support.

A Vigil of Hope and Remembrance

The evening will include candle lighting, live music, moments of silence, and remembrance for Massachusetts victims who lost their lives to domestic violence in 2025. The event will also support and empower survivors still working to escape domestic violence. Printed materials with resources from local DV organizations and crisis centers will be available to assist survivors, educate communities, and help prevent and eliminate abuse and domestic violence.

Be The Light at All Saints encourages everyone—individuals, families, and organizations—to stand up and speak out against domestic violence. We invite you to show your support, lend your voice, and let survivors know you won’t stay silent. Join us and say ‘NO MORE!’

Ways You Can Help

Be The Light will accept voluntary donations for HAWC, helping them to continue offering advocacy and life-saving services to DV survivors across North Shore communities. Donations to HAWC may also be made through its website at https://hawcdv.org/donate-now/

For more information about the vigil, please contact:

Debra      L., DV Survivors’ Advocate, bethelight.asns@gmail.com
    or leave a message at All Saints’ parish office at 978.774.1150

“Be a light for those looking for a way out of the darkness.” — Debra L.

· HAWC DV HOTLINE: 800.547.1649 

· JEANNE GEIGER DV HOTLINE: 978.388.1888

· NAT’L DV HOTLINE: 800.799.7233 

· MA ELDER ABUSE HOTLINE: 888.243.5337

###