Advocacy and Policy Development

Domestic and gender-based violence are rooted in power and control as are all forms of systemic oppression and violence. Policies and practices can inflict and reinforce DGBV due to other abuses of power or actively combat it by supporting equity, justice,and healing. The Initiative works with organizations and systems to identify harmful policies and practices as well as identify adjustments that can be made to make things safer for all.

The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center and Transition House offer free and confidential services. Learn more.
 

Mandated Reporting Practices and Domestic Violence

One of the reasons survivors do not reach out for help is due to fear of having their children removed by the Department of Children and Families. The Initiative has partnered with the Boston Public Health Commission, the Department of Children and Families, and local attorneys to explore reporting numbers for the city of Cambridge. The desired outcome of this effort is to see more alignment in terms of the number of reports made to DCF that are screened in. Our goal is to decrease over reporting so that ultimately word is spread through the community that people are not being reported as they seek help.

Mt. Auburn Hospital

As Mt. Auburn Hospital becomes a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) site in Massachusetts, the Initiative has partnered with hospital staff to offer trainings and discussions on the experiences and needs of survivors. In an effort to inform policies and practices at the hospital, the workshops provided information about the lived experience of survivors, knowledge about SANE kits and what to expect if a survivor reports an assault.

Title IX Convenings

Title IX professionals are on the front lines of addressing sexual violence in educational settings. Many have roles that are focused on Title IX as well as other demanding responsibilities. Through conversation a gap was identified and the Initiative began hosting convenings for local Title IX professionals. These are spaces where they can connect, learn from, support, and brainstorm with one another. They are able to return to their campuses with fresh insight, ideas, and encouragement. The last convening was a collaborative effort with the Boston Public Health Commission and included professionals from 8 local institutions of higher education.

Title IX Practitioners at Regional Meeting

Cambridge Police Department Trauma Training

The Initiative continues to partner with Cambridge Police to offer a trauma training to its officers. This training helps officers understand what trauma responses are and how they may manifest in a survivor. It also helps officers to examine their own experiences with trauma and teach some coping skills for them in the work. Learn more.