Chief of Staff Bill Baker, on behalf of Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and city officials joined City Councilor Kateri Walsh and the Springfield Women’s Commission for a public forum in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month which takes place each October.
Also in attendance were, Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Judi Crowell, Police Superintendent Larry Akers, Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi, Jesse Ledermen from Senator Ed Markey’s Office, State Senator Adam Gomez, Eliana Gutierrez on behalf of State Representative Carlos Gonzalez, Ayanna Crawford on behalf of State Representative Orlando Ramos, Vice President of the City Council Tracye Whitfield, City Councilors Maria Perez, and Brian Santaniello, Jean Canosa Albano, Jillian Hinkson, and Tracey Carpenter.
This important event, being held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, will bring together community leaders, advocates, and the public to raise awareness and support efforts aimed at preventing domestic violence and empowering survivors. Featured speakers were District Attorney Anthony Gulluni and Executive Director of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts Elizabeth Dineen. Springfield’s first Domestic Violence Coordinator Brenda Lopez will be honored, including remarks from former Mayor Michael Albano and Former Police Chief Paula Meara.
Mayor Sarno states, “Domestic Violence is a serious and important issue. My administration is proud to stand together with Councilor Kateri Walsh and our Women’s Commission to help raising awareness to this important issue. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. Our Springfield Police Department responds to more than 10,000 calls for domestic violence each year. Under Police Superintendent Larry Akers’ leadership, with SPD’s Domestic Violence Coordinator/Administrator Milta Vargas, our Springfield Police Department maintains a dedicated staff of domestic violence advocates to provide help and support to victims. We want to encourage anyone who may be a victim or think they are a victim of domestic violence to call our advocates at (413) 735-1519 or (413) 735-1510.”
Visit the Springfield Police Department’s website for some helpful tools for understanding Domestic Violence and how to get help for yourself or someone you know: https://www.springfield-ma.gov/police/resources/domestic-violence-and-sexual-assault-services
