By Maya*, REACH Survivor Speakers Bureau “I knew I had to leave…it was the only way my son and I would ever be safe.” Those are the words I spoke when I sat down with REACH staff during my initial intake. For most people, deciding to leave can seem like such a simple thing. If you don’t want to be somewhere, you turn around and you…
How your year-end gift makes a difference in countless ways. My name is Pam Jordan, and I am the Director of Community Advocacy at REACH Beyond Domestic Violence. I cannot begin to thank you enough for your ongoing support. You make it possible for REACH to help survivors transition from that first, brave call to our hotline, through safety planning and sometimes a stay in a…
Together at last! Our Reach for the Stars Gala event was held in person for the first time in three years on April 29, 2023 at the inspirational Artists for Humanity Epicenter in South Boston. Highlights of the evening included a powerful, heartrending presentation by our keynote speaker, a domestic violence survivor. Additionally, there was a resounding tribute and standing ovation to our former Executive Director, Laura…
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 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 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…
This week’s blog is a guest post from “Melissa,” a participant in REACH’s Community Program and a member of our Survivor Speakers Burea. On the first year after my split from my abusive marriage, I barely could survive and keep up with my bills. The idea of going through the Christmas season and celebrating was the last thing on my mind. So when I received a…
Throughout the month of October (Domestic Violence Awareness Month), REACH has been sharing content on the theme of “Creating Space for Change.” As Director of Prevention Programs Jessica Teperow shared earlier this week, the spaces we try to create are not so much physical spaces (although those ARE important and making a big difference!) but spaces for connection, transformation, and sometimes even laughter. As we look…
The following words are adapted from remarks given by P, REACH Community Program participant and a member of REACH’s Survivor Speakers Bureau, at Saturday evening’s Reach for the Stars gala. We wanted to share them again, for those who couldn’t make it, or those who did but wanted to further reflect on what she shared.
