Advocate for Justice Award Presented to Diane Patrick

May 23, 2014

Thanks to the generosity of the Joseph F. Timilty Family, JDI held its 4th annual "Kelly Timilty It’s Your Business Breakfast” on May 8th at the beautiful Algonquin Club.  Emcee Latoyia Edwards from NECN and over 150 guests including Governor Deval Patrick joined us in honoring First Lady of the Commonwealth Diane B. Patrick as we presented her with the “Advocate for Justice Award.”  Mrs. Patrick has been an outstanding advocate in the Commonwealth's ongoing efforts to promote safety, healing and justice for all survivor and victims of sexual and domestic violence.  Her leadership on this issue has made a difference in so many lives.

{If you couldn’t join us, check out the videos of Diane Patrick’s acceptance speech and the photo gallery from the event.}

From the minute she decided to share her own story as a survivor of domestic violence, Mrs. Patrick personified the movement to end all forms of abuse. She has traveled around the state, meeting survivors, speaking with advocates, educators and business leaders, and spreading the message of hope and prevention.

“By choosing to share her personal experience as a survivor, Diane changed the world for survivors everywhere,” said Suzanne C. Dubus, Jane Doe Inc. Board President and CEO of Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center. “Seeing a strong and successful woman stand up and talk about her experience gives hope to survivors and all of us that violence can be overcome.  As a former board member of Jane Doe Inc. and frequent guest speaker, Diane became an advocate whose courage inspires us all.”

“The efforts of Jane Doe Inc.,  its members and everyone who makes this their business help break the cycle of sexual and domestic violence,” Patrick said. “If we can help just one person stay alive, one child not witness abuse, or one abuser change his or her ways, we will have done a great amount of good.”