Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Jane Doe Inc. (JDI)
As the only statewide membership sexual and domestic violence coalition in Massachusetts, Jane Doe Inc. has a unique role in working to promote the safety, liberty, and dignity of victims and survivors. Drawing from the experiences of our members and our relationships with other partners, JDI works to:
- Create social change by addressing the root causes of sexual and domestic violence and by promoting safety, justice and healing for survivors,
- Advocate for responsive public policy, promote collaboration, and raise public awareness,
- Provide support to the Coalition’s members that provide comprehensive prevention and intervention services,
- Make an impact on public opinion concerning the issue of sexual and domestic violence.
Achieving our goals involves working on two tracks to both prevent and respond to violence. On the more practical level, we provide trainings, networking opportunities, materials, organizing campaigns, and leadership on policy and systems change. On the other more conceptual level, we incubate ideas and frameworks to help keep the movement to address and end sexual and domestic violence moving forward. Ultimately, our work aims to support the independence, human rights, and dignity of victims and survivors everywhere.
We invite anyone and everyone to join us in taking a stand against sexual and domestic violence and finding ways to make a difference for victims and their children.
“Educating our communities and elected officials about the needs of survivors in our local cities and towns requires year round focus. JDI is our pathway to informing and influencing the state and national agenda to end sexual and domestic violence.” ~ Karen Cavanaugh, JDI board member and Executive Director of Womanshelter/Companeras, pictured here with a JDI delegation meeting with Congressman Niki Tsongas
Accomplishments
November 1, 2011 State House News Service - JDI joined other advocates to urge the Committee on Housing to back legislation that would protect victims of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault or stalking from discrimination. This bill is one of JDI’s legislative priorities.
October 30, 2011 massnonprofit.org - JDI one of a dozen groups to receive a grant from The Verizon Foundation to support programs that engage men in the prevention of domestic violence, promote healthy relationships among teens and young adults, and use technology to improve the reach of services that help survivors.
October 3, 2011 Boston Metro - JDI has long supported efforts to enhance protections against the abuse of pets. On October 5, 2011The Massachusetts Legislature is considering several bills to address this issue.
October 2, 2011 Worcester Telegram & Gazette - JDI and Pathways for Change question the statistics on forcible rape in the most recent FBI’s Uniform Crime Report. Drop in reports does not match experience of local sexual assault program or law enforcement.
August 25, 2011 Bay Windows and The Rainbow Times - JDI has joined with a coalition of domestic violence organizations, including the The Network/La Red, HarborCOV (Communities Overcoming Violence), Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project (GMDVP), Fenway Community Health’s Violence Recovery Program, and the GLBT Domestic Violence Coalition to address the uptick in domestic violence homicides in the LGBTQ community. A community vigil is planned for mid-September.
