REVERE — In the wake of the senseless killing of 30-year-old Lynn elementary school teacher, Vanessa MacCormack in her Revere home over the weekend, a candlelight vigil will be held tomorrow to raise awareness about the lethality of domestic violence.
Andrew MacCormack, 29, has been charged with his wife’s murder, but has denied killing her, according to his defense attorney, John Hayes. He pleaded not guilty during a Chelsea District Court arraignment on Wednesday and was held without bail.
HarborCOV, the local domestic violence program serving the Revere, Chelsea, East Boston, Winthrop and Charlestown area, and Revere community members will hold the vigil at noon at Revere City Hall, which is located at 281 Broadway.
“The recent tragedy in Revere is another painful reminder that domestic violence is an epidemic in our society,” said Mayor Brian Arrigo in a statement. “I encourage residents to come together, not only to show our support for the victim’s loved ones, but also to connect with agencies that do work to prevent domestic violence and offer resources to victims.”
Kourou Pich, HarborCOV co-executive director, said in a statement: “Domestic violence is everyone’s business and does not discriminate based on race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. We must realize that this type of violence affects all of us, and we need to stand together to support our friends, neighbors and families, and effect broader change.”
“The Revere Police Department is very proactive in the area of domestic violence and offers services whenever necessary to all victims who have experienced abuse,” said Police Chief James Guido in a statement. “Our domestic violence unit is always ready to assist in any way they can. If you know of someone who needs help and is afraid to contact us, please reach out to us so we can help. We are here to protect and serve the public.”
Since Jan. 1, there have been 27 domestic violence-related deaths across the state, according to Jane Doe Inc, the Massachusetts Coalition against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. These deaths include 13 female victims, four male victims, one child of a domestic violence victim and nine domestic violence perpetrators who committed suicide or were killed by police.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence, speak out and seek help. There are programs across the state that provide free and confidential services, including SafeLink, 24-hour statewide hotline at 1-877-785-2020 and HarborCOV’s 24-hour hotline at 617-884-9909. More information about domestic violence and a list of local services can be found at www.janedoe.org/find_help.