| In The News
Advocates, kin fight $1M in proposed cuts
By Mike Underwood | Thursday, April 24, 2008
Photo by Mark Garfinkel
Heartbroken families who have lost loved ones to domestic violence
yesterday pleaded with lawmakers to boost funding for programs to
help combat a disturbing wave of deaths sweeping the Bay State.
They made their plea less than 12 hours after Barbara Tassinari,
29, became the state’s 10th domestic murder victim of the
year when her husband John, 29, allegedly shot her 12 times outside
their Abington home Tuesday night.
The brutal killing comes as the proposed House budget, unveiled
last week, included a $1 million cut in funding for domestic violence
services.
“The murder of Barbara Tassinari is another stark reminder
that if we do not invest in programs that can provide advocacy,
support and outreach, victims will not have access to the resources
they deserve,” said Toni Troop of Jane Doe Inc., a coalition
of 60 sexual assault and domestic violence non-profits throughout
Massachusetts.
Families and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault met
yesterday with lawmakers at the State House to urge them to re-examine
the funding reduction.
Arlene Meara, mother of Shannon Meara, 23, whose boyfriend is accused
of shooting her and dumping her body in a trash bin, was among those
who spoke to lawmakers.
“It’s my love for (Shannon) that propels me to speak
out and do everything I can to prevent another parent from losing
her daughter to domestic violence,” she said.
Jane Doe Inc. had asked for a $10 million funding boost this year
for a range of services to tackle rising domestic violence-linked
deaths in Massachusetts, which hit a 10-year high of 55 last year.
“When local programs cannot adequately respond to the needs
of their community, victims are more vulnerable and offenders are
not held accountable,” said Jane Doe’s executive director
Mary Lauby. “This is a lethal mix.”
On behalf of Jane Doe Inc., Rep. Jennifer Flanagan has sponsored
an amendment to increase funding for services.
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