Reading, MA — Chief David Clark is pleased to announce that the Reading Police Department is partnering with a local organization to raise awareness to support survivors of domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is recognized each October.
The Reading Police Department is partnering with RESPOND, Inc., a local domestic violence prevention agency, to help raise awareness about domestic violence by offering special patches during the month of October. These special patches will be for sale to help support those in need.
“RESPOND does incredibly important work within our community to help support those who have faced domestic violence, and we are proud to support their efforts,” said Chief Clark. “I encourage community members to purchase a patch and to help us support this essential organization.”
The patches cost $10 each. All proceeds will go directly to RESPOND to help survivors with basic needs, including groceries, school supplies, clothing, cleaning supplies, and more.
“We are proud to work alongside the Reading Police Department to support survivors by offering confidential, civilian advocacy following police calls,” said Victoria Helberg, CEO of RESPOND. “Whether it’s by helping with gas cards or groceries, we work hard to make a difference in the lives of survivors as they work to reestablish their lives and get back on their feet.”
Anyone who would like to purchase the patch should mail a check for $10 made out to RESPOND, Inc., along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope, to the Reading Police Department, 15 Union St., Reading, MA 01867 (attn: CSO Kristen O’Shaughnessy).
For more information, call 781-942-6761 or email Community Service Officer O’Shaughnessy at KOShaughnessy@ci.reading.ma.us.
About RESPOND
A pioneer in the movement to end domestic violence, RESPOND is New England’s first domestic violence agency and the second oldest in the nation. RESPOND’s work began in the early 1970s when four women from Somerville started a grassroots effort to support victims of domestic violence by opening their homes as safe havens for women fleeing abuse. Today, RESPOND continues to provide life-saving shelter and housing support, safety planning, training, and educational programs to survivors of all ages and genders. RESPOND’s programs and services focus on domestic violence prevention, intervention, and education and are 100% confidential and free of charge.
For more information about RESPOND, please visit its website at www.respondinc.orgor find it on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. RESPOND’s Support Line is live Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 617-623-5900.
