Stay Informed

"I know and see the difference JDI is making every day across the state. I know that my volunteer time and our corporate contributions are an investment that is well spent and bringing benefit statewide." ~ Stephanie Lee, JDI board member and Regional Director of Public Affairs, Verizon

Press Releases and Statements

5/10/2012: "S-Comm" Should Be Ended, Not Extended, Say Leaders at Press Conference: Labor, Faith and Human Rights leaders join immigrants to pledge resistance to an un-American invasion of civil rights

BOSTON -- Today at 12:30 p.m., immigrants and their allies from faith, labor, and human rights organizations will gather at SEIU 615 to strongly condemn the May 15 implementation of the "Secure Communities" immigration enforcement program in Massachusetts. The announcement of this federal implementation follows one day after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) also announced the immediate implementation of the program in New Hampshire.

Download release from MIRA and sponsoring organizations, including Jane Doe Inc.

5/4/2012: In Wake of Domestic Violence Homicide: Advocates Ask "What Can We Do To Prevent These Deaths?"

As advocates learned of the 9^th domestic violence homicide in Massachusetts since January 1 of this year, the conversation quickly turned to what they and the entire community can do to prevent future domestic violence homicides.

Download joint press release from JDI and our member programs: REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, RESPOND and SAHELI.

4/10/2012: National Studies Expose Epidemic of Sexual and Domestic Violence in Massachusetts, country: Advocates bring message to Beacon Hill, Seek Funding

The levels of sexual violence, rape and intimate partner violence are epidemic in Massachusettsand around the country, according to Jane Doe Inc., the statewide advocacy coalition against sexual and domestic violence in Massachusetts. With as many as 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men experiencing some form of sexual or domestic violence, the prevalence and pervasiveness of these types of violence require public and private responses of equal proportion. This will be the message as Jane Doe Inc. and over 120 people from JDI member programs, including staff, volunteers and survivors visit with their legislators on Tuesday, April 10, 2012.

Download release.

4/9/2012: In wake of murder-suicide in Hopkinton, Advocates against sexual and domestic violence urge people to reach out for help

JDI and member program Voices Against Violence put out a statement in the wake of this tragedy: “The news of a murder-suicide is more than heart-breaking: it’s also a wake up call that we all must do more to help prevent these deaths. Combating domestic violence is a community issue and everyone has a role to play.”

Download statement.

4/5/2012: National Studies Expose Epidemic of Sexual and Domestic Violence in Massachusetts, country

Jane Doe Inc. (JDI) will release three recent national studies that expose the prevalence and pervasiveness of sexual and domestic violence here in Massachusetts and around the country and call for more support to address this epidemic. Senate President Therese Murray will also speak. Download press advisory.

3/1/2012: White Ribbon Day State House Proclamation

In his role as Honorary Chair, Governor Deval Patrick led the 5^th Annual Massachusetts White Ribbon Day Governor’s Proclamation Event at the State House on March 1, 2012. The day is sponsored by Jane Doe Inc., the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, and supported by 65 White Ribbon Day Affiliates across the Commonwealth. Download the day of press release.

2/29/2012: The Roles Men Play in Ending Violence Against Women

Story after story of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, trafficking, sexual harassment, bullying, and chid abuse, fill the news and represent thousands and thousands of victims right here in Massachusetts. The latest numbers from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey make abundantly clear that violence against women occurs at unacceptable rates AND that more must be done to prevent sexual and domestic violence. Jane Doe Inc.’s Massachusetts White Ribbon Day recognizes the unique and critical role that men can and are playing to help end violence against women.

2/29/2012: Diverse Groups Testify Against Anti-Immigrant Bill

At the Joint Committee on the Judiciary hearing, human rights advocates, faith leaders, immigration experts and others spoke about how the proposed legislation scapegoats immigrants and ignores the real threats to public safety, namely, drunk driving and alcohol abuse.

Download press release from MIRA (Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy) Coalition and JDI.

2/28/2012: Celtics Pre-Game Focus on Ending Men's Violence Against Women

Jane Doe Inc., Employers Against Domestic Violence, and The Plymouth County White Ribbon Campaign have partnered once again with the Boston Celtics to help end sexual and domestic violence. The pre-game promotion at TD Garden on February 29^th will take place the night before the 5^th Annual Massachusetts White Ribbon Day.

Download press release.

2/23/2012: From college campuses to military bases, Men in Massachusetts pledge to end violence against women

Five years ago, the public conversation about men’s role and responsibility in being part of the solution in ending men’s violence against women took a dramatic shift in Massachusetts. Massachusetts White Ribbon Day 2012 is set to take place on March 1, 2012 at 1:00 PM at the State House.

Download media advisory.

1/23/2012: Beanpot schools join Patrick-Murray administration and state officials to end men's violence against women

Coaches and captains of BC, BU, Harvard and Northeastern meet with senior state officials and Jane Doe Inc. as part of 5th Annual White Ribbon Day Campaign.

Download press release

1/12/2012: Stalking, Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocates Applaud Massachusetts Senate for addressing economic stability needs of victims and survivors

After many years of advoaccy, Jane Doe Inc., the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, is pleased that the Employment Leave Bill has passed in the Senate and is one step closer to becoming a law.

Download press release.

12/6/2011: DCF Commissioner McClain, MAPS Executive Director Pinto call for action to protect kids and end violence

To advocates against sexual and domestic violence, the latest sex abuse charges against former Red Sox club manager Donald Fitzpatrick is one more example that no one is immune from these issues and more must be done to help protect kids and end violence in general. JDI points out that one place to start is for men to address one another to promote a culture of positive masculinity that fosters equality and non-violence. On Tuesday, December 6, 2011, Jane Doe Inc. will launch the 5th Annual Massachusetts White Ribbon Day Campaign, calling on men to step up and be part of the solution in ending men’s violence against women.

Download the press release (English, Portuguese) including comments from campaign co-chairs Angelo McClain, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), and Paulo Pinto, MPA, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers.

10/25/2011: Jane Doe Inc. Commends Verizon for Leadership on Domestic Violence Prevention

JDI will join a host of leaders working to prevent domestic violence in Massachusetts and to encourage men to join the movement at the Verizon Foundation Domestic Violence Solutions Award Presentations and event on Friday, October 28, 2011. More than $200,000 in grants will be awarded to 19 nonprofit organizations including JDI and 14 other JDI members.

Download statement by Mary R. Lauby, JDI Executive Director and Media Advisory from Verizon.

10/24/2011: Domestic Violence Programs Respond to Arrest made in Rintala Case

The Network/La Red, Safe Passage and Jane Doe Inc. respond to the recent arrest of Cara Lee Rintala, 45 for the murder of her spouse Annamarie Cochrane Rintala, 37 on March 29, 2010. This domestic violence related homicide highlights the need for continued vigilance, outreach, awareness and response to domestic violence in the LGBTQ community.

10/22/2011: JDI Joins HarborCOV and Winthrop Community to Hold Candlelight Vigil In Memory of Victims of Domestic Violence

JDI will join member program HarborCOV and the Winthrop, Massachusetts community to hold a Candlelight Vigil in memory of victims of domestic violence and to raise awareness about the lethality of domestic violence during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Download release.

10/5/2011: Pets, Prevention, and Victims' Rights on Agenda: Sexual and domestic violence advocates urge action to save lives

Maureen Gallagher, Policy Director, of Jane Doe Inc., the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, will be on Beacon Hill today (October 5, 2011) to urge the Massachusetts Legislature to take immediate action on three proposed statutes that singly and collectively would provide essential support and safety for victims of sexual and domestic violence.

Download release.

9/22/2011: LGBTQ Community and Partners Hold Vigil to Remember LGBTQ Domestic Violence Related Homicide Victims

Community partners including GLBT Domestic Violence Coalition, Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Program, The Network/La Red, Violence Recovery Programat Fenway Health, HarborCOV, and Jane Doe Inc. to hold candelight vigil in response to seven (7) domestic violence related homicides in LGBTQ Community in past 17 months.

Download media advisory.

9/15/2011: Red Sox, Jane Doe and Verizon Team Up To Prevent Violence

It was a magical night at Fenway Park for Jane Doe Inc. On-field presentations honoring First Lady of Boston Angela F. Menino, a champion in the fight to rid our communities of sexual and domestic violence, a $25,000 check presentation from Verizon to JDI, and a cell phone drive sponsored by HopeLine from Verizon Wireless.

Download release.