DA Donates to Local Domestic Violence Shelters

Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone today presented seven domestic violence organizations with much needed supplies for victims of domestic abuse who reside in local shelters.

The annual Domestic Violence Shelter Drive is an effort by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office to provide gift baskets to every domestic violence shelter in Middlesex County . DA Leone presented the baskets to the shelters today.

“All too often we see the devastating effect that domestic violence has on victims and families across Middlesex County ,” District Attorney Leone said. “This is especially hard during the holiday season when families in shelters are without the comforts of home. We hope these donations can ease the burden victims’ face. Helping victims overcome the barriers against disclosure and ending the cycle of domestic violence remains a top priority for this office. I’d like to thank everyone within the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office who contributed to this important effort.”

The gift baskets contain items such as toiletries, laundry supplies, baby clothes, diapers, formula and toys. These items are often in high demand at shelters, as victims often are forced to leave all of their belongings behind when they flee an abusive relationship. The drive was conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, with contributions collected by its staff.

The shelters receiving gift baskets are: Alternative House in Lowell, REACH Beyond Domestic Violence in Waltham, RESPOND in Somerville and Malden, Transition House in Cambridge , Voices Against Violence in Framingham, the Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project, and the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence.

Pictured, left to right: Jessica Brayden, Executive Director/Respond; Matt Foley, Director of Client Services/Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project; Michelle Fine-Nelson, Shelter Director/Voices against Violence; Ronit Barkai, Director of Long Term Housing & Community Partnerships/Transition House; Maria Crooker, Assistant Director/Alternative House; Laura VanZandt, Executive Director/REACH beyond Domestic Violence; Linda Chin, Executive Director/Asian Task Force; District Attorney Gerry Leone.

– Information and photo from DA Leone’s office