Chief James McIntyre and the Stoneham Police Department wish to share warning signs of domestic violence, and offers tips on how community members can support victims.
Domestic violence affects millions of people each year, but it can be prevented through the collective voice and power of individuals, families, institutions, and systems.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
As part of its ongoing community initiatives, the Department participated in the #1Thing initiative during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.
“Many people care and understand that domestic violence is a serious public health problem. They want to do something but believe their actions can’t make a difference,” said Linda Leis, Domestic Violence Victim Advocate for Stoneham Police. “It feels overwhelming. But change can start with only #1Thing. Imagine if all 23,606 individuals in Stoneham each commit to doing just #1Thing to stop domestic violence. We could really see some serious social transformation.”
The Department’s Domestic Violence Unit provided services to about 200 victims of abuse and violence in 2021.
“That is why we need everyone – advocates, medical professionals, educators, survivors, researchers, policy makers, law enforcement officers, business owners, students, and more, to do #1Thing to stop domestic violence here in Stoneham,” added Chief McIntyre.
The Stoneham Police Department offers the following ways community members can create a more positive environment and reduce the incidence of domestic violence:
- Be a caring and consistent adult in the life of a child.
- Talk to loved ones about violence and oppression.
- Create a culture of consent in your home.
- Use social media to raise awareness among your peers.
- Support organizations to establish a response to domestic violence.
- Reach out to a local domestic violence program to learn how you can help.
- Listen to and validate a survivor of trauma.
You may be in an abusive relationship if your partner:
- Won’t let you leave the house or spend time with your family or friends.
- Constantly criticizes you and/or tells you that you are worthless.
- Makes you feel fearful that you will do or say something “wrong.”
- Makes you believe that it’s your fault.
- Is jealous and accuses you of being unfaithful.
- Damages your possessions or injures your pets.
- Threatens to take custody and/or not allow you to see your children.
- Threatens to commit suicide if you leave.
The Stoneham Police Department invites members of the community to join in mourning for those whose lives were taken by domestic violence, celebrate the tremendous progress victim advocates have made over the years, and connect with one another with a true sense of unity to end domestic violence.
If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to the Stoneham Police Department’s Domestic Violence Victim Unit. To speak to a victim advocate, please call 781-438-1215 x3106. To speak to the officer in charge of DVU, please contact Sgt. Thistle at 781-438-1215.