DA, Roundtable Send Valentines To Domestic Violence Survivors

WAYLAND, MA—District Attorney Marian Ryan joined members of the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable on Feb. 12 to put together more than 65 Valentine’s Day gift bags for survivors of domestic violence in Wayland.

Clothing, toys, toiletries and books filled the bags that were donated to families living in shelters and transitional homes through REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, The Second Step and Voices Against Violence; non-profits that offer services to survivors of domestic abuse.

District Attorney Ryan also spoke to attendees about the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office’s community-based partnerships and initiatives to address domestic violence in Middlesex County including Cut It Out in Middlesex, a program launched in 2009 to educate high school vocational programs, professional training academies and private salons to recognize the signs and symptoms of domestic abuse.

In an effort to expand Cut It Out training across the Commonwealth, District Attorney Ryan has partnered with State Representative Christine Barber to spearhead legislation that would require licensed aestheticians, barbers, cosmetologists, electrologists, hairdressers, manicurists, and massage therapists to complete one hour of domestic violence and sexual assault awareness training, according to the announcement from the DA's office.

Ryan has also worked to expand the Domestic Violence Pro Bono Initiative, a first-of-its kind partnership was designed to address a significant gap in services for domestic violence survivors in the restraining order process.

Recently, District Attorney Ryan donated the proceeds of more than 160 forfeited cell phones to REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, an organization that raises community awareness about domestic violence and provides support and services to survivors and their families. The cell phones, obtained through the drug forfeiture process, are priced and recycled for parts; the monetary value of the parts goes directly to REACH Beyond Domestic Violence and is used for phone-related services to benefit victims and survivors of domestic violence.

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