Salem Domestic Violence Volunteer Chosen For Gomes Leadership Award

SALEM, MA — A Salem volunteer who answers an emergency hotline for domestic abuse victims and helps victims apply for protection orders in area courtrooms is the 2024 recipient of the Peter J. Gomes Service Award.

U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Salem), who created the award nine years ago in honor of his mentor, the late professor and Rev. Peter Gomes, presented Steve Becroft with the award at a ceremony Tuesday night in Peabody after he was chosen out of a field of five finalist honorees.

• U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton To Celebrate Gomes Service Award Honorees

Becroft volunteers with Healing Abuse Working for Change to ensure support and access to justice for victims of domestic violence. He also engages in safety planning with survivors so they can make informed decisions about their safety and well-being, and he conducts outreach calls after they obtain prevention orders to provide continued support and resources.

Four honorees were also recognized for their exemplary integrity, compassion, and commitment to the community.

"What an incredible group of honorees we had this year," Moulton said. "Selecting one person for this award was an incredibly difficult decision to make because each honoree demonstrates a truly inspiring commitment to service.

"I was particularly touched by Steve Becroft's dedication to helping victims of domestic violence. It takes a special person to navigate a challenge as heartbreaking and sensitive as domestic abuse — and I think it's safe to say that Steve's work with HAWC has saved many lives."

(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.)