The Domestic Violence Initiative began in 2003 as a result
of three tragedies that occurred between December 2002 and April 2003. Community members were shaken by this horrible spate of events and were determined to take a public stand to “break the silence about domestic violence” and prevent this horrible crime from happening again in our community.

Healthy Roslindale spearheaded the effort to reach out and educate the community by providing information on the warn-
ing signs and where and how one can get help. Early in the initiative, panel presentations were made in English and Spanish. West Roxbury Court personnel and professionals

who work in non-profits with both victims and batterers were panelists.

The Coalition followed with “Community Conversations”,
which are small group sessions in comfortable settings, where information and resources were shared by professionals.

Since October of 2003, Healthy Roslindale has conducted candlelight vigils every year as part of the national Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Two years later, a tree was plant-
ed in Adams Park as a memorial to Roslindale victims.

The Rossie Reps performed and original skit at the annual meeting. "The Young Montel Show" was a big hit with the crowd as it depicted an imagined an unhealthy relationship situation.

In February of this year, a movie and dialogue session was offered. Participants viewed the motion picture What’s Love Got To Do With It, popularly known as the Ike and Tina Turner story, and discussed the elements of power, control and victimization in their marriage.

Board member, Antonia Chronis, chairs the Coalition’s Roslindale Domestic Violence Task Force and has recruited many local agencies to serve on the task force. Included are
the Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center; Passageways at the Faulkner and Brigham and Women’s Hospitals; Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center, Department of Social Services Domestic Violence Unit; Family Services of Boston; Casserly House; local realtor, Linda Burnett; and the Bethany First United Methodist Church.

LOCAL RESOURCES for assistance with Domestic Violence

No one deserves to be abused for any reason.
If you are experiencing domestic violence,
there is help for you.

*** For emergency assistance, call 911 ***