“Building a Safe Community” event to be held Oct. 8 at Belmont Public Library

BELMONT, Mass., Sept. 23, 2026 — Domestic violence affects people across every ZIP code, income level and background. It can happen in any home, often hidden from those closest to the people experiencing it. Recognizing the signs and knowing how to offer support can make a difference. Last year, a tragedy in the Greater Boston area struck the Armenian community and made that reality impossible to ignore. The questions it raised extend far beyond one community. For the second consecutive year, neighbors, families, educators, coaches and colleagues from across the region are invited to deepen their understanding of domestic violence and the role each person can play in recognizing abuse and supporting survivors. “Building a Safe Community: Understanding and Preventing Domestic Violence” will be held on Thursday, Oct. 8, at Belmont Public Library, 336 Concord Ave., in recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. A reception begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by a panel discussion from 7 to 8:30 p.m. A Zoom link will be available for those who prefer to join online. The event is free and open to the public. The event is presented by the Women’s Support Center — Armenia and co-sponsored by the Armenian Relief Society’s Cambridge “Shushi,” Lowell “Lusintak” and Watertown “Leola Sassouni” Chapters and the Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA) — New England. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2023/2024 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, more than one-third of women and more than one-sixth of men in the United States have experienced physical violence, contact sexual violence or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. The event continues a conversation that began last year about recognizing the signs of domestic violence, supporting those affected and finding the words to speak up. The panel brings together a personal story, a prevention educator and a school wellness director who also coaches high school football. Sophie Pariseau, founder and president of The Sima & Dylan Pariseau Memorial Foundation, Inc., will share a personal story about how domestic violence forever changed her family. Her perspective will add a deeply personal dimension to a discussion of awareness, prevention and community support. Joining Pariseau will be Sydney Carter, manager of prevention education programs at REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, and Scott Parseghian, K-12 wellness director and head football coach at Wayland High School. Lenna Garibian, board member of the Women’s Support Center – Armenia, will moderate the conversation. “Domestic violence does not belong to one community, one culture or one kind of family, and neither does the responsibility to end it,” said Lenna Garibian of the Women's Support Center – Armenia. “For years, the Women's Support Center has worked on the front lines of domestic violence prevention and survivor support. Last year, we brought that work to our own community here in Massachusetts. By coming together again — with new voices joining the conversation — we hope to build on that foundation and help more people feel prepared to recognize the signs, listen without judgment and support someone who may be experiencing abuse. Most of all, we want anyone affected by this to know they are not alone.” In-person and online attendees are asked to register by Oct. 4 at: https://forms.gle/AJREKqEuEs7WP9eX8. For event questions, contact Seda.Aghamianz@gmail.com. If you or someone you know needs help: REACH Beyond Domestic Violence has a 24-hour hotline, available for survivors, friends, family members and concerned community members, at 1-800-899-4000. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).

“Building a Safe Community” event to be held Oct. 8 at Belmont Public Library

Second-year community conversation, open to all, marks National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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