By a REACH Staff Member What happens to a voice when it is repeatedly silenced? What happens when the body that houses that voice learns it will be harmed and discounted? What happens when cooperation and silence are implicit and saturate the very air we breathe? It has been a lifelong journey of learning how to access the words that had settled at the base of…
By M, a survivor There are rare moments in life when we can stand up for something that is timely, ethically right, and appropriate, for our identity. I’ve received this opportunity, but it came with pain, anguish, and lots of time where I had to take to heal. Back in the fall of 2014, I was so angry, sad, devastated, and disheveled in every way. I…
By Maura, a survivor REACH’s new office has so many features that enable staff, volunteers, and participants to gather and work in new ways. One feature is the “Breathing Space” – a cozy, unique room located in a quiet corner of the office. What happens there? A teen support group, a self-care group for survivors, team meetings, volunteer interviews, nursing, resting, meditation… the list goes on. A long…
By Ally Slocum, REACH Intern Most often when discussing my summer plans with people in my life, I was met with variations of the same response: that working with survivors of domestic violence sounded like sad, heavy work. There are some aspects of interning at REACH that do feel heavy- it can be really difficult to hear about all of the challenges that many of the…
By Ally Slocum, REACH Intern The Massachusetts State House is impossible to miss on Beacon Hill- it’s huge, elevated on a hill and boasts a golden dome. The State House is open for visitors – individuals can take tours, explore or even speak with a representative. Yet, despite its open-door policy, going to the State House to speak with a representative is a lot like the…
By Kathy Brophy, Wellesley High School Fitness and Health Teacher and 2019 Ruth and Virginia Bigwood Voice for Justice Award Winner I was recently honored by REACH Beyond Domestic Violence with the Ruth and Virginia Bigwood Voice for Justice Award at their Annual Meeting this past May. When Laura, REACH’s Executive Director, walked into my first period class to let me know, I was surprised, honored and…
By Lauren Puglisi, REACH Intern In November of last year, The Department of Education, headed by Secretary Betsy DeVos, proposed changes to Title IX, the law which prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs. The new proposal increases the rights of the accused and decreases college’s liability to investigate incidents of harassment. As a college student interning with REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, these proposed changes deeply upset…
By Patricia I have sojourned the seas and risen Albeit chaotic, I searched for my voice in the meadows of life The relentless noises made me surmise Aching and pressing the vision created strife A host of regrets and forgotten songs I longed to be rescued from the trap Not knowing what next I moved to be strong Of course, I was petrified of the…
By Sylvia Murray, Becca Elwin, Camille Chuaquico, Iwona Matczuk, Kaitlyn Saruwatari, and Evan Joy McLaurin This past summer of 2018, as part of the culmination of our MBA degree from The Heller School of Social Policy and Management*, we had the great opportunity to consult for REACH. Our work addressed a key management challenge, and through intensive, collective work we provided recommendations to the Board of Directors, leadership…
By Survivor, M., member of the Survivor Speakers Bureau Domestic violence awareness month (DVAM) is here. For me domestic violence looks like a marriage of 20 years. I am a member of the REACH Survivor Speakers Bureau. For me, this month also includes speaking engagements arranged by REACH staff. It is a chance to share my story, to be believed and to be heard. I am always grateful for these…
