Second annual STEPS Awareness Walk to End Domestic Violence

This year has witnessed the violent deaths of 13 victims in Massachusetts to the insidious domestic abuse.

National statistics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence has stated that 1 in 3 women and one in four men have been victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime. One in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, and 90 percent of those children are eyewitnesses to this violence. On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.

The Zonta Club of Malden and the Teen Enrichment Center of Malden held their second annual STEPS awareness walk to end domestic violence on Sunday October 11, 2015. Lisa Jacobson, president of the Zonta Club of Malden, kicked off the occasion by sharing some history of Zonta, the purpose of the walk and thanking all who came out to participate.

Mayor Gary Christenson shared some unnerving statistics on the frequency of domestic violence, then spoke about the services that Malden is providing regarding prevention measures and response efforts. Malden now has a dedicated detective in the Domestic Violence Unit in addition to an onsite Domestic Violence Liaison at the police department from RESPOND Inc.

Special guest District Attorney Marian Ryan stressed that committed city leaders such as those present, people who understand the problem of domestic violence and those willing to raise awareness are critical to ending domestic abuse. Needless to say domestic abuse in any form has devastating negative physical, mental and financial impact on the abused party their family and friends.