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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. 

 

Mission Statement

Jane Doe Inc., The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence brings together organizations and people committed to ending domestic violence and sexual assault. We create social change by addressing the root causes of this violence, and promote justice, safety, and healing for survivors. JDI advocates for responsive public policy, promotes collaboration, raises public awareness, and supports our member organizations to provide comprehensive prevention and intervention services. We are guided by the voices of survivors.

2011 Data Staggering: But Hope Prevails

Massachusetts was a participant in three national studies in 2011.  These three independent reports singularly and collectively validate the effectiveness of sexual and domestic violence services. The Commonwealth should feel quite confident that public as well as private funds are well spent. We are very proud to share this evidence that our members are saving and changing lives and making a difference every day.  Read more...

Defining Co·a·li·tion

Being a coalition means working together for a common cause.  We transform lives through providing a collective voice on the issues of sexual and domestic violence.

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Who We Are

"From its unique vantage point as the statewide coalition, JDI helps us all connect the dots between policy, practice and services and strengthens our work in the communities we serve." ~ Linda Cavaioli, Executive Director, YWCA of Central Massachusetts

Who We Are Overview

  • Jane Doe Inc. (JDI) is a statewide membership coalition, an advocacy organization, a catalyst for change, and so much more. Offering unparalleled leadership in Massachusetts, we are changing the way society views and reacts to sexual and domestic violence in ways that make our communities safer today and for future generations.
  • JDI is an active partner in state, national and international movements to promote human rights and social justice. We and our members operate from a gender analysis of sexual and domestic violence within a social justice framework. We recognize the intersections of oppression and the critical roles of organizing and advocacy in transforming social norms.

As the only sexual and domestic violence statewide, non-profit, advocacy, membership organization in Massachusetts, JDI provides expert support and resources to our 60 community based, sexual assault and domestic violence members. These local programs are the hubs of expertise in their communities. They advocate on behalf of victims and offer confidential, crisis and long-term support and services to tens-of-thousands of victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence and their families each year.

Because of our unique relationship with these local experts, JDI is aware of problems facing victims, survivors,  their children, and their communities. This relationship with our members informs our efforts to develop viable solutions and provide leadership for meeting the needs of all Massachusetts survivors and communities. JDI’s member centric, victim focused approach ensures that the experiences of survivors and our members drives our prevention, program, and policy advocacy actions.

JDI is a vibrant, effective, and cutting-edge social justice coalition that is making a difference. Innovative programs like our Men’s Engagement Initiative and White Ribbon Campaign show great promise as vehicles for prevention. We collaborate with other systems and professionals that work with victims, survivors and perpetrators, providing information and education about needed improvements. JDI collects and analyzes data, identifies trends, keeps abreast of new research and developments, and produces important recommendations for effective changes.

With our 60 members, 56 other state and US territorial sexual and domestic violence coalitions, and key national partners, JDI remains current on developments in the field; advocates for state and federal funding for life saving services and support; influences policy and practice; and advises state, federal and elected officials.

With our members and corporate partners, as well as other state, national and international partners, the Coalition works for improved responses for victims and accountability for perpetrators.  JDI has a strong track record of working with its members and others to improve policies, services and interventions of systems and professionals that make a difference for victims and survivors.  These efforts improve safety, healing, and freedom from abuse for all victims and their families in every part of the Commonwealth.

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