On Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 1:00 p.m., on the steps of City Hall, Mayor Greg Verga will proclaim the month of October as Domestic Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. All are invited to join him to reaffirm Gloucester’s commitment to becoming a violence-free community.
Mayor Verga notes, “This is an annual gathering of community leaders and partners to recommit ourselves to making Gloucester a Violence Free Zone. Continuing to do all we can to prevent and address domestic abuse and sexual assault are substantial parts of this ongoing effort.”
“As a community, we are blessed to have the swift response of HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change), our police department, led by Chief Conley and the Domestic Abuse Response Officers, the intersecting efforts of the Community Impact Unit, and the continuing training offered throughout the City on trauma-informed responses. We will share updates on these endeavors at our October 5th event,” the Mayor continued.
“Even as we come together to celebrate our persistence, we are only too aware of the continuing tasks and the need to support each other as we advance this mission by asking…. ‘what else can we/should we do?'”
“Please join me for this important event – the annual proclamation reading followed by the raising of the Domestic Abuse Awareness Flag. Be assured that the outstanding community services on which we all rely remain accessible:
- HAWC services for those experiencing domestic abuse are available via telephone intake and in-person or virtual services as needed – 978-744-8552. The HAWC Hotline is staffed 24/7 at 800-547-1649
- The Gloucester Police Dept. is available via 911 for emergency calls and 978-325-5400 for Officer Ron Piscitello and the other domestic abuse officers, and for non-emergency situations
- Younity: Young Adult Access Center is available for youth 16-25, in person, at 6 Elm St. in Gloucester, and via text or telephone at 978-270-0428 or 978-415-4115
- YWCA North Shore Rape Crisis Center for sexual assault concerns is available via the hotline at 877-509-9922 and the Lynn office at 781-477-2313 or support@ywcanem.org
- Elliot Community Human Services, providing group counseling for those seeking Intimate Partner Abuse Education is available via Glennys Acosta at 339-223-3446. Programs are all via Zoom
“If you have a concern, please reach out to one of our outstanding response organizations,” the Mayor concluded.
Good Morning Gloucester 