A Message From Our Director

Robyn Lague Mendes, Katherine Gomes, Arthur Martin, Luz Forty, Jose Fuentes, Penha Quiterio, Priscilla Friberg, Maryse Antoine, Silvia Rosa, Edilize Cruet, Linda Auger, Julius Scott. Yuliya Galperina. Rebecca Moulton.

These are some of the names that keep me up at night.

These are the names of the fifteen domestic violence homicide victims – at least the ones we know about – killed in Massachusetts between January 1, 2009 and June 30, 2009.

For each of these domestic violence homicides, there are children and parents, friends and colleagues, whose lives have been changed forever.

The list doesn’t stop there. Add the literally thousands of other victims of domestic violence and sexual assault who go unnamed every day. Plus the advocates who save countless lives – going home with hearts and minds filled with the most terrible of brutal stories than one can imagine.

Their stories motivate me and all of us at Jane Doe Inc. to keep advocating for improved policy, practice and funding that will support the safety, dignity and liberty of survivors.

We need your help to ensure that Jane Doe Inc. (JDI) has the resources and support it needs to be a strong coalition and a leader in Massachusetts that can take on this charge.

Last year we asked the Governor, the First Lady, the Legislature and other systems in and outside of government to help. And they responded.

• A public health advisory was issued, funding improved, JDI produced and launched a public service campaign featuring Diane Patrick which has just started showing in 43 movie theaters across Massachusetts. Through these efforts, we’ve reached broad audiences with the life-saving message that victims are not alone and support is available.
• Governor Patrick issued law enforcement standards for sexual assault and domestic violence and launched new trainings for both veteran and new officers.
• The Governor’s Crime Package includes the Sexual Assault and Stalking Restraining Order bill and new legislation that would create new criminal penalties for strangulation, a known significant risk factor for domestic violence homicide.
• Our members and allies mobilized dozens of communities to participate in our 2nd annual White Ribbon Day campaign and engaged thousands of men and boys to become part of the solution in ending violence against women.

What does all this mean and does it matter?

It means everyone everywhere is working together to do what they can wherever they are.

Local sexual assault and domestic violence programs are reporting increased collaboration with local law enforcement. The media is showing a positive shift in its coverage by avoiding victim blaming and sensationalized coverage.

Meanwhile, there’s every indication that the economy is resulting in more domestic violence and sexual assault incidents. There are more police calls. Our members are reporting between 30% and 100% increases in requests for services.

Yet, compared to 18 months ago, we have seen a slight reduction from the more than weekly domestic violence deaths. We believe that we have something to do with this reduction. And we want and can do more.

So yes, it matters, and it’s working.

Now we’re asking you to help JDI keep up the momentum of this focused effective engagement of professionals and community members across the Commonwealth.

We need your help to make a difference. JDI plays a crucial role in bringing people together to address these issues in a multi- and inter-disciplinary way. Our men’s engagement work is a role model for others. Our domestic violence homicide study provides an essential framework for analysis that guides protocol, policy and service delivery. JDI’s budget and legislative advocacy on the state and national levels helps ensure that policy development is victim-informed and consistent with best practices.

In the coming year we will build upon the central theme of enhancing the capacity of our sixty member organizations. Their daily work in communities throughout Massachusetts provides a life-line to sexual assault and domestic violence victims and their families. We’ll continue to provide trainings and one-on-one assistance informed by our expertise and unique vantage point as the statewide coalition. Investing in JDI is also an investment in our members.

We couldn’t do any of this work without your generosity.

Please help us remain a leading force on behalf of victims and survivors and their families by making a generous donation. Your gift today will help us build a future where every victim in every community has access to the support, resources and options they need.

With gratitude,

Mary R. Lauby
Executive Director

P.S. Donations can be sent to Jane Doe Inc., 14 Beacon Street Suite 507, Boston, MA 02108l. Click here for a form.
Or make a donation on-line.

Please consider making a monthly donation to help us keep this work going. Sign up today!