Community speaks out against domestic violence at Brockton vigil

BROCKTON, Mass. — Dozens attended a vigil in Brockton Saturday to honor a slain young mother and speak out against domestic violence.

Investigators say 30-year-old Eugenia Monteiro's ex-boyfriend, Matias Andrade, fatally shot Monteiro in her Brockton home before killing himself.

Monteiro had reportedly sent a text message to her current boyfriend saying she feared Andrade would kill her if he learned about her new relationship, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz told reporters earlier in the week.

As family members wailed in front of Monteiro’s Lexington Street home Saturday afternoon, friends and complete strangers, many from the same Brockton Cape Verdean community Monteiro was part of, left stuffed bears on her walkway, lit candles and said prayers.

Bishop Tony Branch, who led the vigil, reached out to victims of domestic violence and those who know people suffering.

“Domestic violence is a cancer that has metastasized on our community across the Commonwealth,” Branch said. “The fact remains that it’s important that people that are victims of domestic violence – that they tell somebody.”

Other victim advocates also urged both women and men to seek help from law enforcement, local organizations, friends and family if they are being abused. Ines Figueroa, a local advocate and a domestic violence survivor, held a candle in memory of Monteiro.

“A lot of women don’t ask for help, because they’re afraid,” Figueroa said. “’They hit me before, but they’re not gonna hit me again.’ They will hit you again. They will, and they will kill you.”

Those affected by domestic violence can get help through resources listed here. 

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