WAKEFIELD — On March 20, the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence held its annual White Ribbon ceremony on the Beebe Library Plaza at 3 p.m. Community members took the pledge to never commit, condone or stay silent about violence against women. Attendees included town employees, town officials, Wakefield Town Councilors, State Representatives, Wakefield students, Wakefield Police Officers, school administrators, school staff and Wakefield students.
This ceremony was emceed by Town Manager Stephen Maio who stressed the importance of reaching out for help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and discussed the resources available to those in need.
The keynote speaker was Attorney Nicholas Arsenault. Nick Arsenault, a family law attorney from Wakefield highlighted his deep connection to the community and his commitment to helping victims of domestic violence. He shared his experiences working with WAAV, offering free legal consultations to survivors and emphasized the courage it takes for victims to seek help. Arsenault explained that his career as a lawyer is focused on justice and safety and his work with WAAV aligns with his desire to create change and provide healing. Arsenault acknowledged that while violence and abuse are often disproportionately perpetrated by men against women, the issue is complex and requires collective action. He stressed that the White Ribbon symbolizes a call to action, urging men and boys to actively take a stand against violence and commit to being part of the solution. He concluded by reminding everyone that violence against women is not just a women’s issue but a human issue that affects us all.
Moreover, Galvin Middle School eighth grade students Sam Kidder, Ayden Mellino, Everett Stevenson and Ryan Ward led the audience in the White Ribbon Pledge and all in attendance vowed to never commit, condone or remain silent about men’s violence against women and to be a part of the solution in ending violence against women and all gender-based violence.
For more information about WAAV, contact waavcares@gmail.com.