Page 10 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 5, 2025 Malden City Council supports local ‘Zonta Says No’ 16 Days of Activism Silent Witness Display at City Hall gives a voice to victims of domestic violence in Mass. By Steve Freker R inging the center of the community forum space where much of Malden’s future is melded are a collection of stories. These are tough stories to absorb, as they depict the lives of women who were victims of domestic violence. Each story represents a real person whose life was lost, with their story exhibited to provide a personal reminder of the reality and tragic consequence of domestic violence. Zonta Club of Malden has been curating the Silent Witness Display around the outside perimeter of the Malden City Council Chamber for a number of years and once again has embraced the task. The Silent Witness exhibit is part of Zonta of Malden’s participating in the annual “16 Days of Activism,” an annual global campaign that takes place from Tuesday, November 25, to Wednesday, December 10. November 25 is “International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women,” and December 10 is “Human Rights Day”. At the November 25 Malden Law Offices of JOSEPH D. CATALDO, P.C. “ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW” • ESTATE/MEDICAID PLANNING • WILLS/TRUSTS/ESTATES • INCOME TAX PREPARATION • WEALTH MANAGEMENT • RETIREMENT PLANNING • ELDER LAW 369 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 (617)381-9600 JOSEPH D. CATALDO, CPA, CFP, MST, ESQUIRE. AICPA Personal Financial Specialist Designee ZONTA DAYS of ACTIVISM: Members of Zonta of Malden attended a recent Malden City Council meeting and displayed their banner “Zonta Says No” against domestic violence, as part of their 16 Days of Activism. Above, they are shown with the members of the Malden City Council. At the meeting, Zonta member Maria Luise made a presentation explaining the 16 Days of Activism as well as the Silent Witness exhibit now on display in the Malden City Hall lobby. (Courtesy Photo/Zonta of Malden) City Council meeting, Zonta of Malden’s Maria Luise addressed the members and enlisted their support of the local version of 16 Days of Activism Against Domestic Violence. The exhibit’s aim is to raise public awareness, advocate for change, and encourage action to end domestic violence. “Each one of the silhouettes featured represents an individual whose life was lost to domestic violence,” Zonta’s Luise explained. “They are called ‘Silent Witnesses’ because they can no longer speak for themselves and we speak for them by telling their story.” A ceremony hosted by Zonta of Malden will be held on Wednesday, December 10, in the City Hall lobby (at 6:30 p.m.) where the victims of domestic violence in Massachusetts in the past year will be recognized. According to reports, there have been 22 domestic violence deaths in Massachusetts in 2025, and according to national statistics 34% of all women experience some level of domestic violence in their lifetimes. “We would like all of you to join as allies against domestic violence and to consider joining us on December 10,” Zonta’s Luise said. She said that during the 16 Days of Activism Zonta members visit the Malden Police Station, Malden Fire Station and the Malden Public Library, where they spread the word of taking action against domestic violence and display the banner and slogan “Zonta Says No”. “We invite you to join us in the fight!” Luise said. Ward 6 Councillor Stephen Winslow said his own family has been affected by domestic violence and that “I appreciate Zonta bringing this issue in the forefront.” “Before we had resources to address this issue, municipalities referred to domestic violence as ‘just a family issue,’” Councillor Winslow said. “It’s something that has changed through the years and made a tremendous difference for a lot of families.” “Domestic violence continues and it’s important we remember every year,” Winslow added. Ward 5 Councillor Ari Taylor said she “is a proud Zontian” and “thankful so many have signed on as allies against domestic violence.” Luise appeared at the November 25 meeting along with other Zonta of Malden members, including Kathleen Manning Hall and Jennifer Spadafora, who is Malden School Committee Vice Chairperson. She also noted that the 16 Days of Activism project is being led by Zonta of Malden’s Sharyn Rose-Zeiberg, who is also School Committee member (Ward 8).
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