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Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance
Summer/Fall 2002
victim A Newsletter to Advance Rights & Services for Crime Victims in Massachusetts
In This Issue
IMPACT Volume 3, No. 2
3 Meet the Members
of the VWAB
Members of the Victim and Male Survivors and the Clergy
Witness Assistance Board
discuss their commitment to
Sexual Abuse Crisis
crime victims
6 By Dave Shannon
On Beacon Hill
S
A new reckless endangerment everal months ago, the nation began to learn of the horror of
law protects Massachusetts
children the sexual abuse crisis in the Roman Catholic Church. Each
7
Research Findings day, more details emerge that startle and shock us. We, as
Sexual violence impacts states
financially; hate crimes against service providers, are challenged to pause and reflect on these
Massachusetts Jews increase
events, and to respond in ways that of clergy sexual abuse. As a result, the
8 Victim Voices publicly and forcefully demonstrate our Victims of Violence Program (VOV) of
A survivor recounts the commitment to the many survivors of the Cambridge Health Alliance began
aftermath of clergy abuse this crisis. offering a group for parents of sur-
vivors. In addition, the Violence
10 On the Book Shelf
How easily the phrase “clergy sexual
abuse scandal” has integrated itself into
Recovery Program (VRP) of Fenway
A review of Elizabeth Neuffer’s Community Health collaborated with
our lexicon. As we continue to discuss
book, The Key to My the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center
the crisis and debate the response of
Neighbor’s House: Seeking (BARCC) to offer a free, 10-week group
the Roman Catholic Church, we must
Justice in Bosnia and Rwanda for male survivors. Gina Scaramella,
remember that at the center of this
LICSW, and I co-lead the survivors’
12 What’s Happening
tragedy are people whose lives have
been shattered. It is critical that we not
group, which is open to men of all
The latest crime victim news sexual orientations and is an extension
sanitize or minimize the crisis through
across the state and elsewhere of a group for male survivors of adult
our language. We need to be quite clear
sexual assault and rape that we have led
what this “scandal” is truly about—the
for over three years.
rape and sexual assault of children.
The group for those men raped or
Services for Clergy Abuse Survivors
assaulted by clergy is similar to our
Those of us who work with survivors group for adult survivors in that we
of sexual violence felt compelled to discuss issues of disclosure, trust, anger,
directly respond to the current crisis intimacy, masculinity, sexual identity,
through services that meet the unique and relationships. We tailored this
needs of these survivors. We recognized group to reflect the specific experiences
the need to examine existing services of childhood survivors while incorpo-
and offer specialized and focused sup- rating discussions of trauma responses
port that reflects the special dynamics continued on page 14
Victim and Witness Assistance Board
Attorney General Tom Reilly, Chairman
Gerard Downing, Berkshire District Attorney
Yoko Kato, Victim/Public Member
Elizabeth Scheibel, Northwestern District Attorney
Evelyn Tobin, Victim/Public Member
Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance
Janet E. Fine, Executive Director
Danielle Arcidiacono, Senior VOCA Program Associate
Mary Au, Director of Administration and Finance
Kim Blair, SAFEPLAN Coordinator, Berkshire A Message from the Director
Megan Campbell, Training Coordinator
Freddi Carbone, SAFEPLAN Coordinator, Bristol/Barnstable
Nancy Court, Family Violence Project/SAFEPLAN Manager
Karen Dempsey, Community Education Coordinator The summer months seemed fleeting, but I hope that they were restful for
Sandra Gimenez Field, Victim Services Coordinator everyone. Much has happened since I first addressed you in this newsletter, all
Kara O’Handley, Executive Administrator
David Ko, Assistant Financial Manager of which has kept me focused on the vital needs of crime victims, their loved
Claire MacNeill, SAFEPLAN Coordinator, Plymouth ones, and those who respond to them in the aftermath. I started my position
Brenda Noel, VOCA Program Manager at MOVA at a very busy time. Plans were being finalized for the 2002 Victim
Alice St. Germain, SAFEPLAN Coordinator, Worcester
Stefanie Fleischer Seldin, Policy Analyst Rights Conference and I experienced, for the first time, a behind-the-scenes
Patricia Shipman, SAFEPLAN Coordinator, NW/Hampden view of the remarkable work of MOVA staff and many others that helped make
Allison Tassie, Senior VOCA Program Associate the conference such a success. It was great to see so many of you there and we
Lynne Williams, VOCA Program Associate
Andrea Bosquez-Porter, SAFEPLAN/Policy Intern look forward to your input as we plan for the next one. We then moved right
Dimitry Cook, VOCA Grant Intern into the VOCA grant process, including the review of proposals for the supple-
Melissa Hereford, Victim Services Intern mental federal funds designated for services to the families of 9/11 victims and
Lauren Palumbo, Northeastern University Co-op Intern
crisis responders. Our collaboration with DMH, American Red Cross, Catholic
Editor Charities, United Way, and the Offices of Attorney General Tom Reilly, Senator
Karen Dempsey Ted Kennedy, and Congressman Marty Meehan allowed for the development
Victim IMPACT and successful implementation of a 24-hour hotline for the anniversary week
is a quarterly newsletter to advance rights and services of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
for crime victims and to promote greater awareness about
the impact of victimization on the individual and the MOVA staff has continued to provide direct crisis intervention and referrals to
community. It is published by the Massachusetts Office increasing numbers of victims of various types of crimes, including a large
for Victim Assistance (MOVA) and the Victim and Witness
Assistance Board, and is distributed free of charge to the number of contacts from clergy sexual abuse survivors, families of 9/11 victims,
victim rights community. We welcome submissions and and more. In addition, I have had the privilege of being appointed to the
article ideas from crime victims and survivors, service Governor’s Task Force on Sexual Assault and Abuse, and heard testimony from
providers, criminal justice professionals, and the general
public. The “Victim Voices”feature is intended to be a survivors and providers at several public hearings across the state. This testi-
forum for victims and survivors to describe their personal mony contained powerful illustrations of the devastating impact of sexual vio-
experiences of victimization or the emotional impact of lence; of the strength and courage survivors have to cope, heal, persevere, and
being a crime victim. In some articles, names and
identifying information may be changed to ensure the advocate. It also highlighted how far we have come but also how much we still
confidentiality of victims. MOVA reserves the right to edit need to do. I, together with the rest of the members of the Task Force, am
all submissions. No financial compensation is provided for wholly committed to ensuring that the testimony given will help significantly
the publication of articles or stories. We encourage the
reproduction of any articles contained in this newsletter, improve our sexual assault intervention and prevention efforts. This is perhaps
provided that proper attribution is given to both MOVA daunting at a time of severe fiscal crisis, but it is critical nonetheless.
and the author.
Finally, this newsletter will arrive in your mailboxes after we have individually
Contributors, Summer/Fall 2002 and collectively experienced the remembrances and reflections associated with
Dave Shannon, Fenway Community Health Program
Joseph P. Smith the one-year anniversary of 9/11. The horrifying acts of terrorism on that day
Senator Marian Walsh directly impacted countless families in Massachusetts and elsewhere. It touched
all of us deeply and continues to have profound effects. For me, it conjures up
Submissions, Letters, and Inquiries
Victim IMPACT the intense sorrow of the death of loved ones, other acts of violence, hatred,
Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance and suffering that people endure daily here and around the globe; and it starkly
One Ashburton Place, Room 1101 reminds me of the fragility and preciousness of life. It is a lot to bear for all of
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 727-5200 us. However, I feel bolstered by the courage of victims, survivors, rescuers, and
Fax: (617) 727-6552 helpers, on that day and every day. It is profoundly humbling and inspiring
E-mail: MOVA@state.ma.us and, indeed, strengthens my resolve to work collaboratively to advance our
www.mass.gov/mova
mutual efforts on behalf of crime victims.
Best wishes,
Janet E. Fine
VWAB
PROFILES
Meet the Members of the Victim and Witness Assistance Board
Tom Reilly, Attorney General
Chairman, Victim and Witness Assistance Board
Throughout my devastating event as they apply for clergy sexual abuse crisis became appar-
career as a prose- assistance available under the program. ent, my Office has been engaged in a
cutor, I have comprehensive investigation of the
My office is equally committed to pro-
fought hard for years of abuse of children by clergy. We
tecting the state’s elders from fraud and
crime victims also worked closely with the Legislature
abuse. We have successfully prosecuted
and have tried to to pass a law requiring religious officials
elder-related cases involving nursing
view every case to report allegations of sexual abuse of
home abuse, telemarketing fraud, char-
through the vic- children to civil authorities. We will
ity scams and fraudulent home
tim’s perspective. continue to work in the weeks and
improvement contractors. It is impor-
It is critical for months ahead to find ways to make
tant to provide resources to the senior
crime victims and homicide survivors sure that no child is ever abused again
community and our Elder Protection
to have a strong voice in the criminal by a member of the clergy. And if
Unit in the Public Protection Bureau is
justice system and to receive the serv- another child is sexually abused today
devoted to that mission.
ices and resources they need to help or any day in the future, my Office is
them. I have personally worked for nearly 20 working hard to ensure the Archdiocese
years to protect children from abuse, has policies and procedures to respond
As Attorney General, I continue to work
including sexual abuse by members of in ways that best serve victims and their
on issues that further assist victims of
the clergy. As the former District families.
crime and their families. The day after
Attorney for Middlesex County, I over-
the terrorist attacks on America, I deter- Protection of all crime victims has been
saw the investigation and prosecution
mined that families whose relatives and remains an important priority for
of numerous cases that involved hor-
were on the two Boston flights were eli- me, one which I will continue to dili-
rific violence inflicted on children,
gible for assistance under my office’s gently and aggressively pursue. I’m
including homicide and the physical
Victim Compensation and Assistance proud to serve as Chairman for the
and sexual abuse of children. As
Program. My staff in the Victim Victim and Witness Assistance Board.
Attorney General, I have continued to
Compensation and Assistance Division The work of the Board and MOVA is
make child protection a priority. Since
continue to work with families, helping vital to serving all victims in the
January, when the magnitude of the
them cope with the aftermath of this Commonwealth.
Evelyn Tobin,
Victim/Public Member
My daughter, respective jobs and spend a beautiful my family. I knew I had to try to make
Kathleen summer day at the seashore. We had a a difference in other people’s lives.
Dempsey, was picnic on the rocks, strolled through
Before Kathy’s murder, I had no need to
murdered in her the shops, and ended the day eating
know about victims’ services. That was
home by an lobster-in-the-rough at Woodman’s in
something other people had to deal
unknown Essex. Losing Kathy was losing a part of
with. After her death, I came to know
assailant on myself. I had envisioned growing old
all too much about victims’ services. I
August 23, 1992. with her at my side. The loss was so
knew that I needed some help to get
She was 31 years deep and so profound that I ques-
through this awful trauma. I knew that
old, and about to tioned whether I could live out the rest
I had to see, feel and touch other moth-
begin graduate school. Kathy was my of my life. In the midst of my grief, I
ers who had lost a child, and know that
oldest child and only daughter. We recall actually facing the decision
they had survived it. I needed my hus-
were as close as mother and daughter whether to live or die. In deciding to
band and sons to have similar models
can be. One of the last things we did live, I knew that I had to live a life that
for survival. We found a support group,
together was to “play hookey” from our meant something, not just to me and
continued on page 4
3
VWAB
PROFILES
Meet the Members of the Victim and Witness Assistance Board
continued
OMEGA, which, literally, saved my life speakers bureau to help to educate These activities have enabled me to
and enabled me to re-enter the world providers of services. feel that I honor Kathy’s memory in
prepared to contribute. I remember ask- my daily life, and to believe that it was
When I heard about the opening on
ing how OMEGA was funded, since no worth my sticking around to see it
the MOVA board, I felt that I had some-
one had asked me for payment for the through.
thing to offer because of my profes-
vital service I received. I was told about
sional background in public policy and
MOVA and the VOCA funding. I vol-
advocacy (I am director of public policy
unteered to join the OMEGA board so
for the YMCAs of Massachusetts,) and
that I could be of help to other families
was appointed by the Governor in 1999.
facing the same situation as mine had.
Some of us who have “graduated” from Along the way, I met a group of people
OMEGA have stayed together and who were creating a memorial to
formed a group called ALPHA, which homicide victims, The Garden of Peace,
we hope will become another resource and joined that board as well. The
for families of homicide victims. We Garden of Peace is well on the way to
hope to be of assistance in reaching out becoming reality as part of the plaza
to families and matching them with of the soon-to-be-renovated Saltonstall
available resources, as well as creating a state office building.
Yoko Kato,
Victim/Public Member
I am honored to understood my rights as a victim. I first victim to speak out in Japan. I
be appointed to would have drowned with uncontrol- returned to Japan in April 2000 with
the Victim and lable grief. Two young lives had been Northwestern District Attorney
Witness taken away. In court, the prosecutor Elizabeth Scheibel and Assistant District
Assistance Board became voice to victims who no longer Attorney Susan Loehn. Our mission was
by Massachusetts had voices, and fought for them. to spend an intense two weeks educat-
Governor Jane ing the Japanese government about
Since January 11, 1993, my life has
Swift. As a sur- issues of Domestic Violence. The gov-
changed dramatically. I established the
viving mother of ernment instituted its first domestic
Memorial Scholarship of Sherry Morton
a Domestic violence law in October 2001.
and her son Cedric, a non-profit organi-
Violence murder—my daughter Sherry,
zation that helps battered mothers to I now travel to Japan three times a year
23 years old, and her baby, 18 month
regain their independence. The annual to educate society about Domestic
old Cedric—I understand how impor-
scholarship has aided sixteen people to Violence. I continue to work with the
tant it is to be involved with victim
attend college. I have worked for the Japanese government, attorneys, social
assistance.
Massachusetts Department of Public workers, public policy researchers, law
In the wake of a tragedy, most people Health, speaking to hospital staff about school educators and various organiza-
are foreign to our court system, and identifying victims of Domestic tions to educate the next generation to
they hear very unfamiliar vocabulary Violence. I have lectured at area schools understand Domestic Violence and its
when facing a trial. In addition to the and colleges, and I have been active on impact on human life.
victim facing this difficult time in their the Boards of several battered women’s
In my opinion, the victim witness pro-
life, they are also suffering grief and loss groups and a men’s resource group.
gram and the work of MOVA are life
for their loved one. I was treated with
In November of 1998, I traveled to saviors for victims and survivors. I
dignity, respect, kindness and tender-
Japan, where Domestic Violence and appreciate all the support given to me
ness by the prosecutor and victim wit-
Sexual Harassment was not a crime. I and my family, and I am proud to be
ness advocate who handled my case.
spoke at many Domestic Violence pre- on this team of great supporters.
Without them, I would not have
vention programs, thus becoming the
4
Elizabeth Scheibel,
Northwestern District Attorney
I have been a that the crime has had on them. The in some cases, preventing crime. As
prosecutor for manner in which a victim is treated by District Attorney, I have been involved
twenty-two years law enforcement officials in the after- with legislation that establishes
and the District math of a crime plays an important role enhanced penalties for crimes commit-
Attorney of the in the healing process. Prosecutors are ted against the more vulnerable mem-
Northwestern uniquely situated to bring a measure of bers of our society.
District for the justice to those individuals who have
My commitment to victims being
past nine years. been victimized by criminals.
involved in the criminal process is
As District
In the Northwestern District, we have important not only in my work as
Attorney, I over-
developed a prosecution model that is District Attorney, but also as a member
see the prosecution of crimes commit-
adapted to the needs of our jurisdic- of the Victim and Witness Assistance
ted in Franklin and Hampshire
tion. Within that model, we emphasize Board. As a Board member, I am able to
Counties and the town of Athol.
specialization of prosecutors and train- take victims’ voices further by impact-
Throughout my career as prosecutor, I ing in challenging areas requiring ing policy statewide. My goals as a
have been exposed to the devastating expertise and sensitivity, including member of the Board are to see that all
effects that crime has on so many lives. child abuse, domestic violence, and victims are treated with respect, to
As a result, I feel strongly that victims abuse of elders and persons with dis- improve and enhance victims’ rights,
must be provided with information abilities. In addition, we have empha- and to provide victims with the assis-
about the criminal justice system and sized community education and tance they need, through programs,
an opportunity to express the impact outreach as a means of reducing and, services and legislation.
Gerard Downing,
Berkshire District Attorney
I have served as I was born and raised in Pittsfield, the Associations. I have lectured and
District Attorney son of Mrs. Gertrude Downing and the taught classes on criminal law, consti-
of Berkshire late John F. Downing, Sr. I graduated tutional law and courtroom procedure.
County since from St. Joseph's High School, In addition, I am the President-Elect of
January 1991 Providence College, and Suffolk the Massachusetts District Attorneys'
and I am cur- University School of Law. I have been Association and have served on the
rently seeking re- married for 26 years, and my wife Board of Directors for MOVA since
election to a Pamela and I make our home in 1992.
fourth term. Pittsfield with our children, Benjamin
My years on the Board have served to
Prior to my elec- (21), a senior at Providence College,
deepen my understanding of the
tion, I was an associate in a general Margaret (19), a sophomore at Trinity
importance of the protection and
practice firm for four years, and served College in Hartford, Nathaniel (17) and
advancement of the rights of victims in
as an Assistant District Attorney for Nicholas (15). I am involved in a wide
our Commonwealth. Dignity, respect,
seven years. As an Assistant, I was range of community service organiza-
information: simple requests for a per-
responsible for prosecuting criminal tions in Pittsfield. I am a past chairman
son to make of the criminal justice sys-
cases throughout Berkshire County in of St. Teresa's Parish Council and past
tem, especially when they have been
the District and Superior Courts. I President of the Catholic Youth Center
suddenly, frighteningly and, perhaps,
served as District Court Coordinator, Board of Directors, and I am active in
tragically thrust into its bewildering
where I was responsible for the day-to- local youth sports and educational
process. Being a part of the community
day management of the County's activities.
of advocates which seeks to ensure that
District Courts, and as Second Assistant
I am also a member of the Berkshire Bar those basic needs are met each and
District Attorney, and I was appointed
Association's Bench/Bar and Courthouse every day has made service on the
to coordinate and manage the Berkshire
Expansion Committees and a member MOVA Board not only professionally
County Drug Task Force.
of the Massachusetts and Berkshire Bar rewarding, but personally gratifying.
5
on BEACON HILL
Protecting Our Children
By Senator Marian Walsh
he sexual abuse of so many children by the abuse of children and comes under
members of the clergy requires us to the umbrella of public welfare statutes.
examine what protections we have in The aim of the reckless endangerment
place and to consider what we can do statute is to create an avenue of crimi-
to better protect children. nal prosecution for those who know-
ingly place children in harm’s way.
One important step forward is the cre-
ation of the crime of reckless endanger- Massachusetts already has laws that
ment to children. This crime, created criminalize other forms of reckless con-
by a bill I filed this year, allows those duct, such as reckless driving. We also
who knowingly place children at risk penalize a custodial adult who reck-
of abuse to be prosecuted for “reckless lessly allows another to commit assault
endangerment,” even before a child is and battery on a child. To date, at least
actually harmed. thirty-one states, including
Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire,
Under the law, a person who “wantonly
Vermont and New York, maintain
or recklessly engages in conduct that
some variation of the crime of reckless
creates a substantial risk of serious bod-
endangerment. This law distinguishes
ily injury or sexual abuse to a child or
Massachusetts from many other juris-
This law distinguishes Massachusetts from many other jurisdictions in one dictions in one key aspect—it explicitly
addresses the risk of sexual abuse. The
key aspect—it explicitly addresses the risk of sexual abuse. bill was passed unanimously by both
the state Senate and House of
wantonly or recklessly fails to take rea-
Representatives and signed by
sonable steps to alleviate such risk” may
Governor Jane Swift on September 12,
face up to 2 1/2 years imprisonment.
2002. The new law goes into effect
A person recklessly fails to take reason- December 10, 2002.
able steps to alleviate a risk when he or
We have a responsibility to protect our
she becomes aware of the risk, the law
children, and our awareness of that
imposes a duty to act in regard to it,
responsibility is expanding. This bill
and that person either through inac-
puts everyone on notice that protect-
tion or improper action fails to act in
ing children is a priority and we will
the manner that an ordinary person in
prosecute anyone who recklessly puts
the same situation would act to allevi-
them at risk.
ate the risk.
Senator Marian Walsh is a Democrat who
This law differs from the so-called represents the Norfolk and Suffolk Senatorial
“mandated reporting law,” which District. Senator Walsh was elected to the House
requires specific classes of people, such of Representatives in 1988 and to the State
as police, physicians and teachers, to Senate in 1992. The Senator is a graduate of the
Newton College of the Sacred Heart and holds a
report to the Department of Social Master's Degree from Harvard Divinity School
Services any child whom they believe and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law
has suffered physical or emotional School. Senator Walsh is currently the Senate
injury as a result of abuse or neglect. Chair of the Joint Committee on Taxation.
The focus of the mandated reporting
law is on intervening and thwarting
6
RESEARCH
Findings
Newly-Released Prisoners Commit More Rape Victims Often Left Untreated for Sexual Violence Impacts States Financially
Crimes STDs, Pregnancy Prevention
R
ape and sexual assault cost the
N H
ewly-released inmates commit- alf of all U.S. women seeking state of Michigan more than
ted new crimes at a higher rate medical care after a rape do not $6.5 billion in 1996, most of it
in 1994 than a decade earlier, receive the recommended treat- in intangible costs, according to a
according to a report from the U.S. ments to prevent pregnancy or sexually study in the Journal of Interpersonal
Department of Justice. The study found transmitted diseases, researchers Violence. Sex-offense homicide cost the
that 67 percent of inmates released reported. Only 20 percent of rape vic- state $18 million. Tangible costs of sex-
from state prisons in 1994 committed tims seen in emergency rooms were ual violence include loss of economic
at least one serious new crime within given emergency contraception to pre- productivity and costs associated with
three years, a rate five percent higher vent pregnancy. Forty-two percent were medical and mental health care, insur-
than among those inmates released in not tested for STDs and were given no ance administration, criminal investi-
1983. The number of times prisoners antibiotics. The report, published gations, prosecutions, and corrections.
had been arrested was the best predic- by the Annals of Emergency Medicine, Intangible costs include the psycholog-
tor of whether they would commit analyzed data from the National ical pain and suffering of survivors and
more crimes after being released. Access Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care the generalized fear of victimization in
the report, Recidivism of Prisoners Survey. society. The report, The Rape Tax:
Released in 1994, at www. Tangible and Intangible Costs of
ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/rpr94.htm. Sexual Violence, questions the 2000
September 11 Victims Need $768M to
Supreme Court ruling in Brzonkala vs.
Cover Losses
Morrison that rape is a noneconomic
Hate Crimes Against Massachusetts Jews
M
eeting ongoing needs of those crime which does not affect interstate
Increase impacted by September 11 commerce.
R
eported hate crimes against will cost $768 million over
Jews increased 39 percent in the next year, according to a consul-
Massachusetts following the tant’s report. Job and income losses Women in U.S. at Higher Risk for Murder
events of September 11, according to a created the greatest immediate needs,
A
merican women are five times
report released by the Anti-Defamation but mental health costs are expected to more likely to be murdered than
League (ADL) of New England. Though be highest in the long term. An esti- women in 24 of the world’s
the total number of incidents for the mated 70,000 workers lost jobs and wealthiest nations combined, and the
year was comparable to the previous income as a result of the terrorist availability of guns may be a factor,
year’s tally, incidents spiked immedi- attacks. Families who lost loved ones according to findings published in the
ately after the terrorist attacks. Most saw incomes drop an average of 40 Journal of the American Medical Women’s
incidents involved leafleting of propa- percent. The consulting firm McKinsey Association. The rate of firearm slayings
ganda materials attributed to white & Company prepared the report for a in the United States was 11 times
supremacy groups. Massachusetts nonprofit consortium of charities work- higher than the average for the rest of
ranked third in the country last year ing to help coordinate private assistance the nations surveyed, while rates for
for anti-Semitic crimes. The report does for victims. rape, assault and burglary were more or
not represent a comprehensive study, less equal across most of the 25 coun-
but focuses on those incidents reported tries. Between 4,000 and 5,000 women
to and verified by the ADL. are murdered each year in the United
States.
7
The Aftermath of Clergy Abuse
Boston has seen revelation As more facts become evident, I feel
after revelation about the sex- that the Church’s hierarchy abused
ual abuse that some priests are the Roman Catholic Church’s power
known to have done over in order to cover its shame.
the past 40 to 50 years. That some of the Catholic
When I was in my teens, hierarchy dismiss the sexual
a priest molested me. The facts have abuse of some priests as an "American
been coming out for a while about problem” or "media feeding frenzy”
others' experiences, and my thoughts indicates to me an institutional abuse
and emotions are tuned in to this part of power. In my opinion, the bishops
of my life. Paul Shanley was a priest at must agree to devote themselves to the
Saint Patrick's in Stoneham and he truth regarding sexual abuse by some
molested me when I was perhaps 15 priests, accept responsibility, make an
years old. Although what he did was accounting of past acts, make amends
not a rape, it made me, as a 15-16 year- to victims, and ensure the protection
old fervent Catholic, who was strug- of innocent children in their care in
gling with all the sexual tensions and the future. To the extent that they fol-
questions of youth, very scared, con- low up words with action that shows
fused, and isolated. true contrition, I can forgive.
I now see him as a criminal with a col- Many of us were polluted by individu-
lar. He was a pathological liar, using als’ actions and inactions, but that is
his power to sexually exploit children. not the end of my story. My personal
We were nothing but targets and tro- beliefs have changed through the
phies to him. He did not inflict the years. They help make sense of how I
worst of what was possible, but he understand things, and help me. I
wounded me deeply. have had a very good life. My second
8
and very fine marriage, close friends I wanted my life back. I had to know A friend wrote me, “By not telling oth-
and family all have been my good for- what in me caused me to lose control ers of your situation you are buying
tune. I've been sober 22 years, and like that, so that I would never feel that into guilt and shame - which you must
most remarkably, I am living in a time angry again. I did not (and do not) let go of ...You are great in giving of
where some justice for Shanley's vic- want ever to hit or threaten anyone. I yourself to others, now is the time to
tims is at hand. did not want to jeopardize my wife’s trust and let others give to you ... you
belief in me, our love and our marriage. are loved regardless of how you judge
Over the
The doubt and sadness in her question, yourself as having [made mistakes]...”
years I've
“Did I marry a stranger?” made what I
had several As I faced the effects of Shanley’s
had to do more clear and important.
detours: drug abuse, my friend’s words became a
and alcohol abuse, The peace and love my wife and I have source of courage and comfort to me.
failed relation- was not yet irretrievably shattered. But, As I reached out and found others’
ships, recurring my anger brought turmoil and sadness compassion and understanding, I
bouts of that overshadowed the best part of my became better at finding these gifts in
depression, life. I told a small number of family myself and for myself.
and divorce. and friends what happened. I sorted
Shanley’s abuse did not destroy the
I can't deter- things out and started facing the truth.
best in me. I can take life’s pleasures as
mine the I am one of the luckier victims of
they come, and understand that sad-
extent to which abuse. I haven't shut down, or made
ness is not a burden, but a chance to
my encounter with my life a course of self-injury and neg-
be with others and to share and help
Shanley provoked or contributed to my lect, and I believed that I could change.
them, and in turn, have them help me.
troubles, but there's some effect. I wish
As I went through the skillful and car- In my second marriage we find joy in
I could have erased what happened,
ing therapy to understand my anger, I the good times, and help each other in
but my shame, guilt, and confusion
uncovered the truth of the effect of the difficult times.
persisted for years. With the revival in
Shanley’s abuse on me. Yelling and
the news of Shanley’s face and deeds, Someone once said that living well is
anger in self-defense might have served
fear and dread colored how I saw oth- the best revenge. Parts of my life have
me well perhaps 40 years ago. But at
ers’ behavior towards me. been difficult and troubling but not
work, as I felt threatened in a situation
unendurable. As a survivor, I’ve tried to
Recently, I became very angry, loud, that came nowhere near, nor resembled
keep my ability to love, believe and
and profane at work. In a brief moment in any way what Shanley did to me, I
trust. I hope we all find the best of
I felt belittled and bullied. These feel- called on that response to protect me.
what is possible and find justice, so
ings opened an emotional scab, and I Also, I learned and re-learned that I can
that we all live well.
lost control. Through a closed office experience a sense of worth, the ability
door, my co-workers heard me yelling, to love, and see my friends’ and fam- —Joseph P. Smith
and they felt disturbed, upset, and ily’s love for me without protecting it
indeed, threatened. The next day I was with hypersensitivity, defensiveness,
told that I could not return to work, and anger.
and that a psychologist would evaluate
I wanted to cure my sickness and most
me.
of all to get well, feel well, and do well.
Two weeks later, after reading the psy- I had to empty out the ill, experience a
chologist’s report, I had to face the void perhaps without harming others,
reality of my anger. If I ignored its or myself, and then create something
source, the least of my problems would more worthwhile. I needed to be
be that I would lose work that I found patient, compassionate, and accept
rewarding and satisfying. mistakes as inevitable. There was lots of
work to do.
9
on THE BOOK SHELF
The Key to My Neighbor’s House:
Written by Elizabeth Neuffer Seeking Justice in Bosnia and Rwanda
Reviewed by Mary Au
The idea of victimization on a large world to include not only soldiers, but Tutsi people become more common
scale was little understood in this coun- the destruction and punishment of and more violent. “The incessant prop-
try before the events of last fall. For civilians. The universality of the reasons aganda, mixing truth with rumor, myth
most Americans, it was safer and easier given by perpetrators and the feelings or outright falsehood, cleverly stirred
to think of victims and victimization on generated by these acts are evident up all the age-old resentments and
a more individual scale that occurred throughout the book, be it pertaining fears....Radio Mille Collines, the private
more often as the exception than the to mass homicides or rape. extremist Hutu radio station, was more
rule. Wars were fought on battlefields inflammatory. ‘Finish them off, exter-
In the 1990’s Boston Globe correspon-
and not in individual communities. In minate them, sweep them out of our
dent Elizabeth Neuffer was sent on
her book, The Key to My Neighbor’s country!....Just look at one person, their
assignment to cover what was deemed
House: Seeking Justice in Bosnia and physique, and their physical appear-
a civil war in the former Yugoslavia.
Rwanda, Elizabeth Neuffer pulls that ance, look at their cute little nose, and
She recounts her experiences in Bosnia
myth apart and shows how the concept then break it.’”
and later in Rwanda, following both
of war has evolved throughout the
countries’ stories through to the We follow Witness JJ’s path as she is
forced to flee the only home she has
Justice after such horrors is imperfect, slow, and frustrating....There is no known, and to lose her baby boy. We
feel her desperation and complete loss
easy means to achieve it; just the human will to try. of hope when she realizes that the only
person who can save her and the other
International Tribunals in 2001. Along Tutsi women, Jean-Paul Akayesu, the
her journey, she weaves in the experi- town mayor, chooses to deliver her to
ences and histories of victims, perpetra- savage rapists and killers in order to
tors, doctors, tribunal lawyers and save his political career. “[Jean-Paul
judges to deliver an eye-opening and Akayesu] knew that his political career
heartbreaking account of the events in depended on one thing: joining the
these two societies. genocide....It was risky to return, she
[Witness JJ] knew, but she trusted
Neuffer provides insight as to how a
Akayesu. She had known him ever
community can be transformed from a
since she was a girl.... [She and a group
group of peaceful and rational individu-
of ten other Tutsi refugees] returned to
als to bearers of hate and indiscriminate
the Bureau Communale, where they
killers. This question has weighed heav-
confronted Akayesu. They told him that
ily on the minds of many Americans as
they were too tired to run anymore,
we hear daily of seemingly random and
that they could no longer bear the
mindless suicide bombings while on
uncertainty of knowing if they were
our journey to recover from our own
refugees, protected by him, or targets,
inexplicable collective victimization.
hunted by the Interahamwe....the
Among Neuffer’s stories is that of a Interahamwe standing nearby turned on
timid Tutsi woman, known simply by the group and started beating them.”
her Tribunal name, Witness JJ. This is a
Elizabeth Neuffer makes it clear that it
woman who was forced to endure
was the hesitation of the Western
unimaginable horrors and emerged
World to react to clear and urgent pleas
from these atrocities to continue with
and warnings that allowed the genocide
her life. We read about her growing
in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia
apprehension as she listened to the
to occur. The lack of action on the part
hate propaganda urging Hutu citizens
of government agencies has been high-
to ‘take back’ their country from the
10
lighted in recent headlines with respect of betrayal, pain and guilt that sur- Witness JJ was able to gain some peace
to the tragedy that befell our nation on vivors of the massacre experienced. by confronting Akayesu, the man who
September 11th and whether it could Hasan, a Bosnian Muslim spared from had violated her trust and allowed oth-
have been avoided. One of the most the executions due to the fact that he ers to violate her body in unspeakable
difficult aspects of this book to digest was a UN translator, expressed his feel- ways. The strength and courage she
was the complete reluctance of the ings over the incident. “And if they gained in facing the predator who had
world communities to respond to either [Bosnian Serbs] could do it again, they allowed her rape and torture has kept
situation until it was much too late. would. But that’s nothing compared her spirit alive as she continues her day-
Neuffer is not afraid to voice the ques- with what the UN did. The Serbs were to-day struggle to survive. “Some years
tion of accountability on the part of the just sharks. The UN had a lifeboat, and later she would tell me how frightened
United Nations staff, who repeatedly they threw out all the passengers who she had been to board a plane and
dismissed pleas for help from citizens didn’t have tickets to the sharks swim- leave Rwanda and to confront Akayesu
and their own peacekeepers. She ming in the sea.” in court in Tanzania, where the tribunal
recounts the frustrations of General was located. But her fear gave way to
Neuffer continues her tale from there,
Dallaire, who repeatedly begged the UN relief and a satisfaction that has stayed
explaining the tedious and arduous
for the troops promised him to stop the with her to this day.”
process of creating the tribunals to try
Rwandan massacres.” Restricted by the
the perpetrators of the genocide. She Although the tragedies of Bosnia and
UN to discussing only his own experi-
details how bureaucracy and politics Rwanda have slipped from most
ences of the genocide, not UN matters,
continually undermined the effective- American headlines, the relevance of
Dallaire openly wept on the stand as he
ness of this court and delayed its this book in the wake of recent events
spoke of not having enough troops to
actions. She writes how the tribunals has not faded. The dream that World
halt the killing. “‘I am adamant that
were “strangled by a huge bureaucracy; War II Nazi Germany was unique is one
entire regions of Rwanda could have
driven by political infighting, nepotism that, as this book shows, does nothing
been saved from the killings,’ the
and incompetence.” The majority of more than prevent a more proactive
downcast general testified. ‘If we had
victims in both societies were looking approach by world leaders. The past
had a force that could have convinced
to this tribunal to assign culpability year illustrates how we can no longer
them it was riskier to go to the barri-
and to force the perpetrators to accept subscribe to the idea of diplomatic
cades than stay at home, we could have
responsibility for their actions, but as is isolationism without dire consequences
stopped it.’”
often the case, victims found them- both here at home and—as this book
Neuffer also revisits the Srebenica mas- selves disillusioned with the process poignantly notes—on foreign soil as
sacre, where the Peacekeepers aban- and cynical about the system devised well.
doned thousands of people who were to help them. People working with vic-
There is no real closure in this book, as
pleading for protection. “....the UN tims trying to wade their way within
there has not been closure in the lives
peacekeepers looked on as the rebel our court system on the quest for some
of those affected by these two parallel
Serbs led the men to a white house not justice could easily empathize and
tragedies. Neuffer has created a piece
far from the UN gate....Some of the learn from the experiences of tribunal
of work that should be read by anyone
men, placed on a waiting truck, begged workers. “Could a tribunal case ever be
trying to understand victimization on
the UN soldiers for help. ‘You know all things to all people? ....Victims had
a mass scale, or searching to compre-
these people are going to kill us and one view of the proceedings and what
hend a little bit of our increasingly
you are not doing anything about it,’ they would accomplish, whereas prose-
complicated role in the international
they said, tears streaming down their cutors, defense attorneys, and judges
community.
cheeks. The Dutch UN peacekeepers had others.”
stared at the ground...Later, a Dutch Mary Au is the Director of Administration and
The need for these courts to exist Finance at MOVA. She worked previously at The
UN official would say the experience
becomes crystal clear as the book fol- Women’s Lunch Place, an organization that
was like watching a cross between the assists women and children who are poor and
lows Witness JJ to her testimony before
movies Sophie’s Choice and Schindler’s homeless.
the tribunal. Scared and modest,
List.” Neuffer underscores the feelings
11
WHAT’S
Happening
New Law Requires Certification VOCA Funding Faces Cuts Due MOVA Launches Web Site
of Court-Ordered Batterer to Cap The Massachusetts Office for
Intervention Programs Continued capping of the Victim Assistance (MOVA)
massachusetts
The Massachusetts Legislature Federal Victims of Crime Act launched a new Web site,
approved changes to (VOCA) Fund, along with www.mass.gov/mova, fea-
Massachusetts General Laws changes made to VOCA turing resources and informa-
chapter 209A requiring that through the enactment of the tion for victims and providers.
batterer’s intervention pro- USA Patriot Act will mean a Visitors to the site can find
grams ordered by the courts 13-to-15 percent funding cut free help and support, link to
shall be certified by the state this year in Massachusetts and VOCA-funded programs, read
Department of Public Health. elsewhere. Facing this dramatic the latest crime victim news,
The changes also require that loss of funds—between 1.1 and and learn about MOVA’s leg-
for any violation of a 209A 1.3 million dollars—MOVA islative agenda. VOCA pro-
restraining order, the court once again reached out to the gram administrators can also
must order the defendant to Massachusetts Congressional download forms and guide-
complete a state-certified bat- delegation, who wrote a lines. To offer feedback on the
terer’s intervention program joint letter to Congressional site or post information on
unless the judge issues written Appropriators urging an the events calendar, contact
findings detailing the reasons increase of the VOCA cap. Karen Dempsey, Community
for not doing so or unless the MOVA also made personal Education Coordinator, at
batterer’s intervention pro- visits to most of the (617) 727-9745 or
gram determines that the Massachusetts delegation Karen.Dempsey@state.ma.us.
defendant is not suitable for accompanied by a constituent
Governor’s Task Force on Sexual
intervention. The legislation receiving victim services and
Assault and Abuse Holds
specifically states that the that constituent’s provider
Hearings
courts cannot order substance at each meeting. For more
abuse or anger management information on what you can Governor Jane Swift’s newly
treatment or any other form do to help increase the VOCA appointed Task Force on
of treatment as a substitute cap, call Stefanie Fleischer Sexual Assault and Abuse held
for certified batterer’s inter- Seldin, MOVA’s Policy regional public hearings
vention. The legislature Analyst, at 617-727-7885. throughout Massachusetts.
approved the changes during The hearings explored the
SJC Denies Rape Victim pervasiveness of child and
the budget process.
Standing in 1985 Case adult sexual violence, barriers
The Massachusetts Supreme to reporting, access to serv-
Judicial Court (SJC) rejected a ices, and victims’ experiences
victim’s request for formal with the medical and legal
legal standing in her systems. Those testifying
assailant’s case after he was included survivors and their
convicted of two counts of families; rape crisis counselors
rape but did not serve any of and advocates; members of
his ten-year sentence. The the medical community, law
SJC’c decision in Hagan v. enforcement, and courts; dis-
Commonwealth, et al did trict attorneys; sex offender
describe the criminal case as treatment providers; child
fraught with inexcusable sexual abuse experts; and con-
delays, and said that crime cerned citizens. The Task
victims have a right to Force will submit a report and
in
address the court when they recommendations to the
feel a case is not proceeding Governor in October.
quickly enough.
12
Appeals Court Rules that Law Britain Makes Sweeping Colorado Requires Criminal plaints from Maria Teresa
Covers Computer Porn Changes to Criminal Justice Background Check for Name Macias and her employers
The state Appeals Court ruled System Change. that her husband was stalk-
that existing state law pro- Colorado enacted legislation ing her. The case set a legal
Britain announced significant
hibits the distribution of requiring a criminal history precedent when the U.S.
changes to its criminal justice
pornographic computer check before courts can Court of Appeals ruled that
process, including elimination
images to children. grant a name change. the family could try to prove
of the double-jeopardy rule,
Massachusetts judges had Applicants 14 years of age or that the county sheriff vio-
allowing hearsay evidence in
ruled previously that the law older must provide the lated equal protection laws
court, letting jurors know of
does not apply to computer results of a fingerprint-based by ignoring her complaints
defendants’ previous crimes,
images, and the state Senate background check that because she was a woman, a
and committing dangerous
passed a bill in March to close includes arrests, conviction Latina and a domestic vio-
sexual offenders indefinitely.
the potential loophole. The records, criminal disposi- lence victim.
The changes come at a time
Court considered the appeal of increased crime levels and tions from the Colorado Vermont Strengthens
of William H. Washburn, a decreased public confidence Bureau of Investigations and Restitution Law
high school teacher convicted in the criminal justice system. the FBI, and any other crim-
The Vermont legislature
of molesting a student and Officials described the inal dispositions. The new
strengthened the state’s
showing the victim computer changes as part of an effort to law precludes courts from
crime victim restitution law,
pornography, and found that rebalance the system and give granting a name change if
requiring defendants to pay
the law's language prohibiting greater weight to victims’ the petitioner has commit-
restitution at the time of
other types of images can also rights. ted any felony or any crime
elsewhere
sentencing unless the court
apply to computer images. as a juvenile that would
Hundreds of Colleges Fail to finds, on the record, good
constitute a felony if com-
SJC Supports Restitution Ruling Comply with Clery Act cause for extension. If a
mitted by an adult. The peti-
The Massachusetts Supreme defendant fails to comply
At least 437 universities and tioner must also affirm in
Judicial Court (SJC) upheld a with a restitution order, the
colleges have been found in open court or provide an
judge’s determination that a victim, the state’s victim
violation of the federal Jeanne affidavit stating that he or
restitution award include service agency, the depart-
Clery Act since it was enacted she has never committed a
property damage expenses on ment of corrections, or the
12 years ago according to a felony in any state or under
a conviction for assault and prosecutor’s office may
report from Security on federal law.
battery by means of a danger- notify the court and the
Campus, Inc. The Clery Act
ous weapon. The defendant Officials to pay $1m in domes- court must hold a hearing
requires postsecondary
in the criminal case, Scott K. tic abuse case and take action. The law
schools to report basic cam-
Mcintyre, had argued that by San Francisco authorities also requires deferment of
pus security information
ordering such restitution in agreed to pay $1 million to any monies owed to the
including campus crime sta-
the absence of a conviction of the family of a battered defendant by the state, such
tistics. It is named in memory
a crime based on property woman killed by her as tax refunds and lottery
of Jeanne Clery who was
damage the judge had estranged husband after winnings, toward payment
raped and murdered on the
exceeded the proper scope of sheriff’s deputies allegedly of the restitution. The new
Lehigh University campus in
a restitution order. The SJC failed to enforce a restrain- legislation followed a State
1986. Security on Campus,
upheld the judge’s order, ing order against him. Auditor’s review that found
Inc., a non-profit advocacy
adopting the Florida Supreme Sonoma County supervisors, the existing restitution sys-
organization, obtained infor-
Court’s “less formulaic without admitting negli- tem collected an average of
mation about the violations
approach” which found that gence or wrongdoing, agreed only 13 cents for every dol-
from the U.S. Department of
the scope of restitution is lim- to the settlement on the sec- lar owed.
Education under the Freedom
ited to “loss or damage [that] of Information Act. For more ond day of a federal court
is causally connected to the information, access trial. The victim’s family
offense and bears a significant www.campussafety.org. said that, despite an active
relationship to the offense.” restraining order, officers
ignored nearly 20 com-
13
Male Survivors and the Clergy
Sexual Abuse Crisis
continued from front cover
common among survivors as well as are told that they must be strong and stereotypical definition of strength is
effective self-care and coping strategies. self-reliant, unemotional and always in weak.
More importantly, we designed the control. These codes imply that “real”
The need for sensitive services for male
group to allow for candid discussions of boys and “real” men are never victims
survivors is quite clear. Truly effective
the unique experiences of those victim- of violent crime. When they are victims
services for boys and men incorporate
ized by clergy including: of violence, their maleness is called into
the specific dynamics of male survivors:
• church secrecy, silence and betrayal; question, and their victimization is
often seen as their own personal failure. • discussions around how the male’s
• the impact on the survivors’ religious view of his masculinity/maleness is
and spiritual development; These rigid gender expectations have affected by the victimization;
• the survivors’ views of God as taken on incredible power and meaning
• conversations about how sexual iden-
affected by clergy abuse; and have thus affected how both
tity development may be interrupted;
service providers and male victims
• the use of the Bible and other • an awareness of the need for emo-
themselves view victimization. Law
Catholic beliefs and rituals as tional expression to be integrated
enforcement officers, criminal justice
weapons of abuse; into cognitive discussions;
system personnel and human service
• the grief associated with the possible professionals do not always look behind • explorations of feelings of shame and
alienation and disconnection from the myths and recognize that boys and self-blame;
the culture of Roman Catholicism; men are often victims of sexual vio- • concrete and action-oriented healing
• the impact of widespread and contin- lence. Men are often told that they are strategies;
ued media attention; to blame for their own victimization
• development of an understanding of
• the homophobia inherent in discus- and that only women can be true vic-
self-care;
sions that confuse sexual orientation tims of sexual violence. The messages,
then, for the male survivor are: • an acceptance of vulnerability.
and sexual violence.
(1) he was not truly victimized; rather, Men who are provided opportunities to
The Need for Services for Men and Boys
the incident was simply the victim’s heal in authentic and deeply personal
One issue highlighted by this recent own mistake or misjudgment; ways free of social expectations have
crisis is the need for services for men expressed strong desires to connect
(2) he will not be understood by people
and boys who have been victimized. with others. They are able to discuss
who are in positions to offer him assis-
When the issues of rape and sexual their desires to be in loving relation-
tance;
assault are discussed and services are ships with partners, families and friends
created, male survivors are often for- (3) he is a “weak” man, or no man at
and to treat all people fairly. Moreover,
gotten or ignored. Societal forces have all (thus, like a woman or a gay man—
they demonstrate a commitment to
created clear gender norms that often people often perceived as not demon-
carefully lowering their internal barriers
render the male survivor invisible. The strating stereotypically “masculine”
to intimacy. Male survivors who are
media, our schools, our families and a characteristics such as strength and the
given sensitive opportunities to heal
host of other social institutions have ability to care for and protect oneself).
have shown that they want to build
created clear codes of masculinity and These messages are often internalized new relationships.
maleness. These codes proclaim how by the male survivor. The legacy is a
boys and men should and should not No Correlation Exists Between Sexual
man who blames himself for being
feel, as well as how boys and men Orientation and Sexual Violence
raped or sexually assaulted, who feels
should and should not act. that he must suffer in silence because In media discussions about the rape
no one will understand him, and who and sexual assault of children by
Boys and men are told that they should
has been victimized not only by a per- clergy, the issue of sexual orientation
never feel sad or scared or nervous or
petrator, but also by a sexist and has often been a focus. The press has
vulnerable. They are told that they
homophobic society that declares that often reported the sexual abuse in ways
should never cry, reach out for support
anyone who does not fit a narrow and that describe the perpetrators as gay
or talk about their pain. Rather, they
men. The implication is quite clear: gay
14
men are sexual deviants who prey on victimization. Services must also be cre-
children. This false image of gay men ated, perhaps through existing rape
as sexual predators fuels the flames of and sexual assault services, that reflect
bigotry, bias and misunderstanding. the specific dynamics of clergy abuse
on female survivors.
Experts on child sexual abuse state that
gay and heterosexual adults do not The current crisis in the Roman
have different patterns regarding the Catholic Church can further divide our
sexual abuse of children. They stress communities. It can be used to drive a
that there is no scientific data to sup- wedge between gay people and hetero-
port the widely-held stereotype that sexual people, between male and Janet Fine Receives National Leadership
gay men prey on children at rates female survivors, and between men Award for Children’s Advocacy
greater than do heterosexual men. In and women working to end sexual vio-
addition, the “gay male predator” per- lence. We must not allow this to hap-
spective on the current crisis assumes pen. Rather, let this crisis unite us as Janet Fine, Executive Director of
without foundation that all of the we continue to work towards a com- MOVA and former Director of the
clergy members who perpetrated iden- mon goal of healing and connection Suffolk County Children’s Advocacy
tify as gay men. for all victims. Center, was recently honored by the
Dave Shannon, LICSW, has over 12 years of National Children’s Alliance (NCA)
Underlying these assumptions and
experience working with boys and men who have as the recipient of the NCA
stereotypes are myths and misconcep-
been victims of trauma. He currently is a thera- Professional Leadership Award. The
tions linking sexual orientation and pist both at Fenway Community Health and in award is given to an individual who
sexual violence. Sexual orientation private practice. He also provides clinical consul-
has demonstrated outstanding lead-
refers to physical and emotional attrac- tation, training and education services around
gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) ership in the establishment, contin-
tion; it has nothing inherently to do
youth and anti-violence issues. Dave is the for- uation or success of a Children’s
with violence. The expression of sexual
mer coordinator of the Violence Recovery Advocacy Center. Stephen Kerrigan,
orientation is rooted in desire and affec- Program (VRP) at Fenway, and the VRP serves Policy Director to U.S. Senator
tion; the expression of sexual violence GLBT victims of hate crimes, domestic violence,
Edward M. Kennedy, presented Janet
is rooted in coercion and the abuse of sexual assault, and police harassment through-
out Massachusetts. with the award during a
power. Sexual violence has nothing at
Congressional Luncheon and
all to do with sexual attraction.
Awards Ceremony in Washington,
Drawing false connections between D.C. Also pictured, on right, is
sexual violence and sexual orientation Congressman Bud Cramer (D-
Resources for Victims
is demeaning to the survivors of the Alabama) who founded the National
abuse. There is an underlying belief For a list of VOCA-funded programs Children’s Advocacy Center in
that the men who were raped or that provide free services to survivors Huntsville in 1985.
assaulted while teens were simply the of sexual abuse, contact Sandra
sex partners of gay men. This is not so. Gimenez Field, MOVA’s Victim Services
Rather, they were the victims of men Coordinator, at (617) 727-9752 or
who used the power of their respected Sandra.G.Field@state.ma.us or visit
positions to manipulate, violate and www.mass.gov/mova. Please note that
hurt children. this is not an exhaustive list and we
encourage other agencies and providers
Similarly, the linking of sexual violence who are offering these services to con-
and sexual orientation renders female tact MOVA with details.
survivors of clergy abuse invisible.
There are female survivors, though we
have not heard as much about their
15
BULLETIN BOARD
In Upcoming Issues Victim and Witness Assistance Board Meetings
The Victim and Witness Assistance Board will vary locations of its 2002 meeting dates to
Focus increase opportunities for attendance from the community. For information on the next sched-
Responding to Victims of uled meeting, call MOVA at (617) 727-5200.
Crime with Disabilities
SAFEPLAN Advocacy Training
A free SAFEPLAN training for advocates in Bristol, Barnstable and Plymouth Counties will be
On Beacon Hill
held November 6, 7, 13 & 14 at the Plymouth Public library from 9am to 4pm each day. For
The Governor‘s Task Force
information call Freddi Carbone, MOVA’s SAFEPLAN Regional Coordinator, at (508) 833-7943.
on Sexual Assault and Abuse:
An Update National Center for Victims of Crime Training Institute
The National Center for Victims of Crime brings its 2002 Training Institute to New England on
November 5-6, 2002. Topics include teen victims, vicarious traumatization, terrorism, stalking,
male survivors, and the state of victims’ rights. Registration for the two-day event is $105, or
$80 for National Center members. The training takes place at the Quality Inn King’s Grant in
Danvers. Call (202) 467-8755 or access www.ncvc.org for more information.
New England Rural Domestic Violence Forum
A training and networking opportunity for Rural Domestic Violence and Child Victimization
Enforcement grant recipients and others working in the field of domestic violence in rural com-
munities throughout New England will take place November 5-6, 2002, in Northampton. For
more information contact Amy Waldman or Chase at the Massachusetts Department of Public
Health, (413) 586-7525, or at se.chase@state.ma.us or Amywaldman@state.ma.us.
Responding to Family Violence and Injury: The Important Health Provider Link
The Harrell Center of the University of South Florida sponsors this 6th Annual Meeting of the
Minds Conference at the Embassy Suites Hotel USF in Tampa, December 5-6, 2002. For
more information, contact the Center at (813) 974-6695 or at conted@hsc.usf.edu, or visit
www.publichealth.usf.edu/conted.
Collaboration & Coalition Building in Violence Prevention
The National Funding Collaborative on Violence Prevention holds its 2nd Immersion Training
in Washington, DC, December 12-14, 2002. For more information, please call (202) 393-7731,
Email nfcvp@nfcvp.org, or visit the web site: www.peacebeyondviolence.org.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance
One Ashburton Place, Suite 1101
Boston, MA 02108
C
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