Stories of Hope: YWCA of Greater Lawrence

Maria's Story from YWCA of Greater Lawrence.

“Maria,” age 28, and the mother of three, was an undocumented immigrant who came to Lawrence from Guatemala and was being physically abused by her partner. Because she feared deportation, she was reluctant to report the abuse. Through word of mouth, Maria learned about the YWCA of Greater Lawrence and its bilingual Court Advocates. A YWCA Advocate, one of two working full-time in offices in the building that houses the Lawrence District Court, helped Maria to obtain a U Visa, for undocumented aliens experiencing domestic abuse. Knowing she would not be deported gave Maria the courage to obtain a restraining order and file charges against her abuser. Her partner is now in jail. Maria is working – legally, obtained permanent housing and is working toward obtaining permanent residency status. She and her children no longer live in fear.

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"Educating our communities and elected officials about the needs of survivors in our local cities and towns requires year round focus. JDI is our pathway to informing and influencing the state and national agenda to end sexual and domestic violence." ~ Karen Cavanaugh, JDI board member and Executive Director of Womanshelter/Companeras, pictured here with a JDI delegation meeting with Congressman Niki Tsongas

JDI Responds to Domestic Violence Related Homicides in LGBTQ Community

August 25, 2011

Bay Windows and The Rainbow Times

Join us for a community vigil to help raise awareness and say NO MORE to domestic violence in the LGBTQ Community.

When: September 22, 2011 at 5:30 pm

Where: Boston Bandstand on the Boston Common, Corner of Tremont and Boylston Street
Who: Anyone who cares about these issues!

Download the flyer.

These two articles drew heavily from a joint press release issued by JDI and partners working to end sexual and domestic violence in the GLBT community and beyond.