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Stories of Hope: The Network/La Red

Sheila's Story* from The Network/La Red.

Sheila, a 50 year-old transgender woman of color was experiencing harassment and stalking from her abusive ex-partner. Sheila, a lesbian, who had been with her partner for 7 years, was in the relationship for 4 years before she started transitioning.

She called The Network/La Red seeking support around filing for a restraining order.  During our initial conversations Sheila disclosed experiencing physical, emotional, sexual and identity abuse as well as harassment and stalking after breaking off the relationship.

She shared that “My partner had always been a bit jealous and controlling, but that got worse as I started to transition.” Sheila left her partner  after a fight in which her partner had strangled her.

TNLR  helped Sheila connect to a LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Domestic Violence attorney who would help her with the restraining order process.

At the hearing, Sheila was denied the restraining order. The judge told her that she was too big to be afraid of anyone. Sheila has not been able to get an appeal approved and continues to experience harassment and stalking from her ex-partner.

 *This story is a composite meant to reveal a survivor's journey while also respecting privacy. 

 

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How You Can Help

"JDI provides leadership in making clear that we’re all in the same struggle for peace and gender equality. Together we must speak out against violence and use compassion to show strength." ~ Gunner Scott, Executive Director, Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition

Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in being a voice for change by connecting with Jane Doe Inc. (JDI) or one of our members. There are several ways to get involved:

1.  Volunteer at JDI

2.  Volunteer at JDI Member Program

3.  Internship at JDI

Volunteer Opportunities at Jane Doe Inc.

Most volunteer activities with JDI take place on weekdays during regular business hours. JDI occasionally needs volunteers to help out at one-time events. JDI also has several internship opportunities available. Interns generally make commitments of at least ten hours per week (during regular business hours) for at least three months.

Here are a few ways that you can volunteer on your time:

  • Advocacy Alert Network: sign up to receive updates on important policy issues. We’ll include information on how to contact your elected officials regarding current legislation and budget items. In the Spring Jane Doe Inc. holds it annual advocacy day at the State House in Boston; we always need supporters to participate in this event.
  • White Ribbon Day: Volunteer to be a White Ribbon Day (WRD) Ambassador and plan to attend the annual WRD event (first Thursday of March).  You can also help organize local WRD events, collaborate with your local sexual and domestic violence programs.
  • Events on Behalf of Jane Doe Inc. : you can create your own event – from a houseparty to a pledge event – to help raise funds to support JDI. Fill out this form and let us know what you have in mind. Check out what other people have done to support JDI!
  • Public Relations: Getting the word out about JDI and our work is essential to our success as advocates for social change. Volunteers help us maximize traditional and social media opportunities to generate interest and participation in JDI’s key efforts – from advocacy alerts to public events such as trainings, fundraisers, and community actions.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact us at volunteer@janedoe.org or 617-248-0922.

Volunteer Opportunities with JDI Member Programs

If you’re interested in volunteering on a more regular basis, or during evening or weekend hours, we encourage you to contact one of the Coalition’s sexual and domestic violence member organizations throughout Massachusetts. Our member organizations work directly with survivors and victims by providing them with support through services such as counseling, housing, or a 24 hour hotline. Each coordinates their own volunteer programs so the best way to find out how you can help is to get in touch with your local program. Please directly contact a member organization in your area to inquire about their volunteer opportunities.

Depending on the needs of your local program, you may be able to find opportunities in these areas:

  • Counseling – Most local programs train and supervise counselors to work on their hotlines, in shelters, or in-person.
  • Advocacy – Volunteers provide accompaniment and advocacy to survivors who are going through the medical or legal systems.
  • Education – Some programs utilize volunteers in their education and prevention efforts, with children, teens, and adults.
  • Events and fundraisers – Program often need help with organizing and day of event help with walkathons, dinners, fundraiser mailings, and training events.
  • Board and committees – Many programs have openings on their boards of directors and/or committees that might include planning, fundraising, finance, personnel, and governance.

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