In The News

STONEHAM SUN: Opinion
Remembering victims of domestic violence
Sen. Richard Tisei/Inside the State House
Mon Oct 01, 2007

STONEHAM - The list contains the names of 39 Massachusetts residents, from communities as close as Everett and Saugus and as far away as Springfield and Great Barrington. They are men, women and children, ranging in age from 2 to 65. The one thing they all have in common is they were victims of domestic violence.

The list I am referring to is published by Jane Doe, Inc. and is available online at www.janedoe.org. Every year, this statewide coalition of organizations united against domestic and sexual violence compiles the names and stories of victims in an attempt to bring the true extent of this horrendous crime into focus.

As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, Jane Doe’s list offers a sobering reminder of the terrible toll domestic violence takes on families and communities.

This year’s list begins with 49-year-old Julie Nieves, of Springfield, who on Jan. 7 was doused with gasoline and set on fire by her daughter’s ex-boyfriend. Lastarandre Bell, 31, had threatened his ex-girlfriend’s entire family and had two restraining orders against him when he attacked Nieves.

The last name on the list is Elizabeth Cann, 44, of Norton. On Aug. 26, Cann was shot and killed in her own home by her ex-boyfriend, 39-year-old Robert McDermott, who also tried to kill Cann’s two daughters before taking his own life. Cann had taken out a restraining order against McDermott in 2005, but it had expired.

The list provides only a small glimpse of the domestic violence problem in Massachusetts. For every fatality that occurs, there are many more individuals who continue to suffer abuse at the hands of a spouse, partner, boyfriend or girlfriend.

In the past year, more than 33,000 men, women and children received domestic violence services in Massachusetts. Of the 28,076 restraining orders that were filed, 7,114 were violated. Another 21,637 calls were received by Safelink, the state’s free 24-hour, multilingual hotline for domestic violence referrals.

Statistics show that domestic violence affects people of all income levels and education backgrounds, and crosses gender, race, religion and sexual orientation. Although it often involves unwanted physical contact, it can also include mental and emotional abuse.

Fortunately, my legislative district is home to three organizations that provide valuable services for those who have been touched by domestic violence. I am proud of the work they do, and have successfully secured hundreds of thousands of dollars in state funding for these organizations over the years during the annual state budget process.
The Melrose Alliance Against Violence (MAAV), which was founded in 1995, uses outreach, education and community collaboration to raise awareness of the problem. The organization works closely with the Melrose Public Schools to offer violence prevention programs for middle and high school students, including “Healthy Relationships,” a comprehensive teen dating violence prevention program for eighth graders.

The MAAV is now providing support to the newly formed Wakefield Alliance Against Violence, which will be introducing a teen dating violence program in the town’s middle schools this fall. In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the MAAV will hold its 12th Annual Walk and Candlelight Vigil on Sunday, Oct. 14 at 10 a.m.
Another local organization that helps people escape abusive relationships is Portal to Hope. Founded in 1996 by a group of domestic violence survivors and community leaders, Portal to Hope provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, including crisis intervention, emergency shelter, legal aid, victim advocacy, neighborhood support groups, and youth programs.

Working with local government and law enforcement officials, Portal to Hope has developed a healing and recovery Program to help victims of domestic violence establish safety plans, learn independent living and job skills, and rebuild their sense of purpose and self-worth. Over the last 10 years, the recidivism rates for domestic violence crime in Malden, Everett and Medford have been reduced by almost 32 percent, thanks in large part to Portal to Hope’s efforts.

To mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Portal to Hope is planning a series of events, including a memorial service in remembrance of domestic violence victims on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 7 to 8 p.m., at the Zion Baptist Church in Everett. The organization will also hold a public forum and reception at Medford City Hall on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

It is important that we not forget the victims of domestic violence, and that we take steps to protect those who find themselves trapped in an abusive relationship. If the current trend continues, Jane Doe anticipates another 17 names will appear on its list before the year is over.

As we mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month, my hope is that more people will break the silence by coming forward for help, or assisting a friend, neighbor or family member they suspect is being abused. But my biggest hope is that Jane Doe will not be adding any more names to its list of victims in 2007.

If you are in an abusive relationship, contact Safelink at 1-877-785-2020 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. For crisis intervention and emergency shelter, call (978) 340-7820. Portal to Hope can be reached at 781-306-6678; the Melrose Alliance Against Violence at 781-662-2010; and Jane Doe at 617-248-0922.