If you’ve read my columns, you know that I often like to tackle some serious topics. October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, so it’s fitting that we discuss it now.
I became a volunteer legal advocate with HAWC earlier this year. This involves my dedicating two afternoons a week to an Essex County district court in Lynn, Salem, Peabody, or Gloucester. Mostly they’ve kept me in Lynn since there is a greater need there. My job mainly revolves around assessing the situation when someone comes to us for help: Do they need a protective order? Which one is more appropriate — restraining or harassment? The type of order depends entirely on the circumstances, so it takes a little time to determine this with the potential client.
Sometimes, they’re running from terrible abuse, and often there is at least one child involved. Perhaps they’re afraid of returning to the domicile and don’t have anywhere else to go. We start with the protective order and then review the remaining issues. For the sake of argument, we’ll assume that it’s a restraining order, called a “209A” in accordance with Mass. General Law Chapter 209A. The order is several pages long, and we help them complete it because it can be daunting and confusing. Answers vary depending on their situation in terms of whether children are included in the order, and there is also an affidavit that tells the court in their own words the event that motivated them to seek the order. The entire process, including appearing before a judge, is very intimidating, and having a HAWC advocate with them is enormously helpful, as indicated by the testimonials we receive.
HAWC services individuals in 23 cities in towns on Boston’s north shore. Its mission statement is “To create social change by taking action against personal and societal patterns of violence and oppression. The organization provides a range of free and confidential services to survivors of domestic abuse, including:
- 24-Hour Hotline
- Emergency Shelter
- Support Groups
- Legal Services
- Youth and Adult Education” 1
Domestic violence statistics are alarming, and women are disproportionately impacted. Current figures indicate that over 10 million people in the United States experience domestic violence every year. 2 And let’s not forget that these numbers reflect reported cases only. Generally, 60% of actual cases are not reported for any number of legitimate reasons. 3 As someone who witnesses this on a weekly basis, I can confirm that most of the cases I see are heartbreaking. But what keeps me going are the success stories and the knowledge that I’m making a difference, however small.
Anyone who knows me is aware that I prefer to address the underlying issue rather than put a band aid on a problem. I don’t have the answers, but I’ve done a lot of research on this topic, and I plan to discuss it more in-depth in another forum. Space constraints don’t allow me to do it here, and this venue isn’t the right place anyway. But I hope to at least get people talking about it.
When I was in law school, part of my required pro bono work was staffing a domestic violence hotline, and I decided at that time that someday I would devote myself to this worthwhile cause. Having volunteered as a legal advocate for about seven months now, I can tell you that it’s the most rewarding work I’ve ever done. But it’s a drop in the bucket of what needs to happen when keeping the big picture in mind.
I’m going to cut to the chase: HAWC needs donations. It’s a nonprofit organization, and your donations are tax-deductible. The end of the year is approaching, and you’ll want that charitable entry on your tax return. HAWC’s team, from hotline support, to shelter staff, to legal advocates, are all dedicated and driven to achieve safety for our clients. We spend additional time with them after a protective order is granted to review the steps needed to keep themselves, and in many cases, their children, safe from their abusers. Sometimes this involves securing housing. Even a small donation would ensure that the shelter and HAWC’s many services can remain available. Please consider it; I promise you’ll feel good about that. Visit hawcdv.org for more information.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, call the 24-hour hotline at (800) 547-1649.
2 https://www.theglobalstatistics.com/united-states-domestic-violence-statistics/
3 https://legalclarity.org/how-much-domestic-violence-goes-unreported
