HarborCOV Partners with The City of Chelsea and Chelsea Women’s Commission to Offer Vigil to Remember Melissa Janvier Pablo
HarborCOV, the local domestic violence program serving the East Boston, Chelsea, Revere, Winthrop, and Charlestown communities, mourns the loss of Melissa Janvier Pablo, a Massachusetts resident who died on December 6, 2024, after allegedly being shot by her estranged husband. HarborCOV extends its sincerest condolences to Janvier Pablo’s loved ones and all who are impacted by this tragedy.
“This terrible loss underscores the urgent need for us to unite in the fight against domestic violence and to stand in solidarity with survivors. As City Council President, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected. The Chelsea City Council remains steadfast in its commitment to providing essential resources, unwavering support, and hope for those in need. We will continue to work together with compassion and determination to create a community where safety, dignity, and respect are the foundation for all,” said Norieliz DeJesus, City Council President.
“This tragic incident underscores the ongoing dangers that many victims of domestic violence face, especially when attempting to escape an abusive relationship. It's important to recognize that leaving an abusive partner can be a perilous moment for survivors. The period of separation often escalates the risk of violence. It is crucial that communities, support networks, and law enforcement work together to offer resources and safety plans to those in vulnerable situations,” said Rachel Angerhofer, Director of Domestic Violence Prevention Programs, RESPOND INC.
In partnership with the City of Chelsea and Chelsea Women’s Commission and community groups, HarborCOV will host a community vigil on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 6 PM on the Chelsea City Hall to honor the life of Melissa Janvier Pablo and raise awareness about the lethality of domestic violence.
“Domestic violence is everyone’s business. It does not discriminate based on race, socioeconomic status, language, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. We must realize that this type of violence affects all of us, and we need to take a stand to support and educate our friends, neighbors, and families,” said Kourou Pich, HarborCOV’s CEO.
A Community Call to Action Circle will be held in the coming weeks. The date, time, and location are to be determined. For those wanting to take action sooner, the Chelsea Women’s Commission encourages collaboration both with HarborCOV and the community.
“We stand in solidarity with HarborCOV and other partners working tirelessly to provide resources and protection for girls and women. I also call on everyone to take responsibility and play a role in ending violence against women. Challenging a machismo culture is everyone's role and responsibility. And you need to take action now! The Chelsea Women's Commission is always here for those who want to join us in the advocacy for a better future,” said Lourdes Alvarez, Chair of the Women’s Commission.
About Domestic Violence
In Massachusetts alone, there have been over 20 domestic violence homicides in 2024. The victims ranged in age from 7 to 76 years old. As many as 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experienced physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime. In nearly all cases of domestic violence homicide, the abuse almost never starts out as physical. Domestic violence is the systemic use of physical, emotional, verbal, financial, and/or sexual abuse to gain power and control within the relationship.
A study by the American Journal of Public Health stated that the presence of a gun in an abusive relationship increases the risk of homicide by 500%. The most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence is when they attempt to leave a relationship.
Immigrants and refugees face additional challenges in finding safety from abuse. Abusers may lie to victims about their rights, steal or damage their documentation, use their cultural background against them, or use threats about child custody or deportation to frighten them. The victim’s fear about their own immigration status or financial security can act as a barrier to seeking services or trusting the court system with their safety. There are cultural considerations as well, such as how communities and families will react if a victim chooses to speak out.
HarborCOV encourages anyone who is experiencing domestic violence, or who wonders if they are being abused, to reach out for support.
About HarborCOV
To receive confidential help, call HarborCOV’s hotline at 617-884-9909, and for more information about HarborCOV, call our business office at 617-884-9799.
A call to HarborCOV’s hotline can be a first step toward safety. All calls are free, anonymous, and confidential. HarborCOV’s multilingual, multicultural staff will not judge you or the person you love. Instead, they will listen, help you find options that make sense to you, and support your right to be safe in your life. Founded in 1998, HarborCOV provides free culturally and linguistically responsive safety and support to domestic violence survivors, along with housing, economic, and healing opportunities that promote long-term stability for people affected by violence and abuse.
HarborCOV's mission is to provide emergency and support services, safe transitional and permanent low-incoming housing, survivor advocacy, and public violence prevention and impact education. HarborCOV specializes in supporting survivors who face additional barriers to safety by removing barriers and creating access to the supports survivors need to rebuild their lives. With a commitment to social, racial, and economic justice, HarborCOV takes a comprehensive approach to addressing violence within the context of family, culture and community.
“We are proud to partner with HarborCOV, whose work is critical in providing care, advocacy, and hope for those impacted by domestic violence in Chelsea in our neighboring communities. The City of Chelsea is committed to supporting survivors and will continue to strive for a community where everyone can feel safe and valued,” said Fidel Maltez, Chelsea City Manager.