Advocates to honor Attorney General Martha Coakley for her leadership to support victims and survivors and help end sexual and domestic violence

February 12, 2013

WHAT:    Jane Doe Inc. to present the Delahunt Award for Extraordinary Public Service to Attorney General Martha Coakley

WHEN/WHERE:     Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 5:30 PM at The State Room, 60 State Street, Boston

WHO:    Former Congressman Bill Delahunt and Senate President Therese Murray will join Jane Doe Inc. Executive Director Mary R. Lauby, the Jane Doe Inc. Board of Directors and hundreds of guests and supporters.

WHY:    Throughout her career as a prosecutor and Attorney General, Martha Coakley has repeatedly demonstrated leadership on issues that improve the safety, dignity and liberty of victims and survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence and stalking. She has made it clear within every corner of her Administration that we must and can do better in terms of supporting survivors, holding offenders accountable and preventing abuse.  Look at her record:  investments in the Victim’s Compensation Unit and Victim Witness Program; new initiatives to protect people from human trafficking; advocacy for the sexual assault and stalking restraining bill.  These are but a few examples of her contributions and accomplishments.

Mary R. Lauby, Jane Doe Inc. Executive Director, said, “Attorney General Coakley has been a stellar, unwavering and formidable public servant.  She’s been an innovator and collaborator.  She’s been a tireless and effective advocate. It’s clear that what is driving her work is a deeply rooted passion to stand up for victims in the face of unfairness.”

Background on Jane Doe Inc. and Award:

Jane Doe Inc. (JDI) is the statewide coalition of nearly sixty community-based sexual and domestic violence organizations dedicated to transforming the social norms that fuel violence and hatred while also building the norms that support peace, equality, and justice.

In 2010 JDI presented Bill Delahunt with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication and leadership in ending violence against women. Upon his retirement from Congress, JDI renamed the award in his honor.