Safety, Education Highlight Plan To Help North Shore Abuse Victims

SALEM, MA — The Salem-based Healing Abuse Working For Change has launched its new strategic plan for the next four years with a focus on the safety of domestic violence victims, abuse prevention through education, and community engagement to more rapidly and effectively respond to cases of abuse.

"Our new strategic plan marks a critical step in our ongoing efforts to foster a community-wide commitment to safety and respect for all," said Sara Stanley, Executive Director of HAWC. These strategic initiatives provide a clear road map to improving our collective well-being."

Stanley said key strategic initiatives include providing real-time and practical safety tools such as security cameras, internet access, smartphones and laptops to those at risk of domestic violence and a new Rapid Rehousing Program.

HAWC seeks to expand access to legal services, a key method of securing protection and enforcing rights. HAWC will focus on creating the relationships and securing the funding needed to provide survivors with the resources they need, when they need them.

HAWC also intends to invest in prevention with programs encouraging girls' empowerment and educating boys and men on learning skills and behavior geared to eliminate bullying and abuse.

"Teaching young people how to engage in healthy relationships is essential to their success in every aspect of their lives," Stanley said.

HAWC aims to continue to be a trusted resource for municipal and grassroots leaders committed to developing comprehensive community safety plans to ensure coordinated response for people experiencing domestic abuse. HAWC is also actively recruiting community ambassadors and other volunteers who are interested in joining this work.

The plan also calls for concerted professional development efforts to ensure HAWC staff, many of whom have lived experience as survivors, are positioned for career advancement and well-being.

"Our collective efforts to reduce and eliminate abuse are the foundation for so many of our regional goals including a thriving economy, healthy children and great quality of life," Stanley said.

A full summary of the strategic plan and how to volunteer to help can be found here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)