Current Events
Help Light the Town Purple to Commemorate
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
This is a profoundly distressing time both for people who are being mistreated by their intimate partner and for the local programs that are supporting them. In response to anticipated major reductions in federal dollars, the current Massachusetts state budget reflects a $7 million cut from domestic and sexual violence programs across the Commonwealth. Additional reductions in supports are looming as Congress makes critical decisions about this year’s federal budget.
Adding to that already difficult reality, anticipated reductions at the federal level in the country’s safety net programs AND the ripple effects of ICE’s activity throughout Greater Boston are greatly increasing the anxiety of many of our already vulnerable neighbors who are navigating life with an intimate partner – or ex partner -- that mistreats them.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for our community to come together and stand in solidarity with survivors and their families. Each October, the Sudbury-Wayland- Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable partners with First Parish in Wayland and the Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Fund to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We do this by illuminating public religious, and other significant buildings in Sudbury and Wayland with purple lights. We invite additional faith communities, businesses, and community organizations to illuminate their buildings as well. Inexpensive lights are now available from Amazon, and further details are available by contacting Paul at infodvrt@gmail.com.
The color purple embodies peace, courage, survival, honor, and a steadfast dedication to ending the cycle of abuse. By illuminating your home with a purple light, you send a powerful message of support and hope to those affected by domestic violence. It’s a simple yet profound way to show you care.
Once again, the Roundtable cordially invites community members to shine purple lights in their neighborhoods by adding purple lights to indoor lamps, porches, or outside house lights. Invite your friends and neighbors to join you and shine a light in the darkness. Won’t you join our efforts! Together, we can create a sea of purple lights that symbolizes our community's commitment to fostering safety and healing.
For your convenience, purple light bulbs will be available at Ace Hardware, 70 Andrew Ave., Wayland and Aubuchon Hardware, 505 Boston Post Road (Shaw’s Plaza, Sudbury. The bulbs fit regular sockets. Thank you to Ace Hardware in Wayland and Aubuchon Hardware in Sudbury for stocking the purple light bulbs.
The traumas of domestic violence are harmful and long lasting, and the Roundtable continues to seek community support in building awareness of the signs and causes of relationship violence and sources of possible support and safety. We continue to work toward the creation of a more caring and equitable society that does not tolerate violence or any person’s domination of another, be it in relation to gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, geographic region, or economic status. If you are concerned you or someone in your life might be experiencing relationship abuse, local support can be found on the Roundtable website at https://www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org/counseling. If you are interested in volunteering, please email the Roundtable at domesticviolenceroundtable@gmail.com
Domestic Violence Roundtable to Present
“Who Am I and Why Am I Here”
The White Ribbon Group, a subcommittee of the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln
Domestic Violence Roundtable, is excited to announce its fall community offering
as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.
“Who Am I and Why Am I Here” is an interactive and experiential community
education event, focused on engaging MetroWest community members in
dialogue around our part in reducing domestic violence and how it impacts us all.
The event will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m., in the Community
Meeting Room at the Goodnow Public Library, 21 Concord Road in Sudbury.
“Who Am I and Why Am I Here” will focus on connecting with community
members, discussing our roles in addressing domestic violence, masculinity and
the threads that bring us together. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage
in organized breakout groups, conversation prompts and community dialogue, led
by public health and community engagement leaders. Through a series of
questions and prompts, the group will dig deep into what draws us to this crucial
topic and provide support and insight into how we can better address the
community’s needs.
We are thrilled to be hosting “Who Am I and Why Am I Here” and look forward
to rich conversation, the opportunity to connect and learn what draws us all to
helping reduce domestic violence,” said J Verhoosky, Director of Youth & Family
Services for the Town of Wayland and White Ribbon Group member. This event
provides a valuable platform for community members to discuss a variety of paths
that have brought us together, discuss action steps to reduce violence, and
identify ways to take action within the region.
“We hope you can join us and be a part of this enriching dialogue!”
Key Details:
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Goodnow Public Library, 21 Concord Road, Sudbury
The White Ribbon Group is a local initiative focused on engaging men and boys
in ending violence against women and girls. It operates in collaboration with the
Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable. This aligns with the
broader international White Ribbon Campaign, which aims to encourage men to
speak out against violence against women and girls and promote healthy, positive
attitudes and behaviors.
The White Ribbon Group works to foster a community environment free from
violence by educating and empowering individuals of all genders, challenge
gender-based violence and embrace healthy masculinity.
For more information on the White
Ribbon Group, email whiteribbon.dvrt@gmail.com.
Shine a Light on Domestic Violence Vigil
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and this year the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable will once again be partnering with the Sudbury United Methodist Church to shine a light on the issues related to domestic and break up violence.
On Thursday, October 23, 2025, the Roundtable and the Sudbury United Methodist Church, 251 Old Sudbury Road, Sudbury will host a Shine a Light Vigil at 7.00 pm. The indoor event will focus on remembering those who have lost their lives to domestic violence in the past year, recognizing those surviving abuse today, and calling all of us to action as we work to prevent abuse in our communities. A survivor will speak. Community leaders from Sudbury, Wayland, and Lincoln will also be participating in the program.
At a time when budget cuts to life-saving programs are happening at the state level and being threatened at the federal level, and survivors are increasingly worried about their safety, it is even more important for our communities to stand up and show support for those who are being affected. Please join the Roundtable for this very important community event.
For more information about domestic violence please go to contact the Roundtable at infodvrt@gmail.com.