In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Rachel Coalition, a division of Jewish Family Service of MetroWest, hosted two events, hoping to highlight the importance of this all-too-present issue.

On October 15, Rachel hosted its first annual Candlelight Vigil to show support and raise awareness of domestic abuse in our community. Over 70 individuals plus local officials and civic leaders attended the event which took place at the Gazebo at the Memorial Oval in Livingston.

On October 18, in partnership with Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael in Springfield, Rachel Coalition presented “A Conversation with Mariska Hargitay.” Over 700 people attended to hear about Hargitay’s commitment to ending domestic abuse and about her Joyful Heart Foundation, whose mission is to heal, educate and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse, and shed light into the darkness that surrounds these issues.