The Verizon Pioneers in partnership with New Hope, Inc., a domestic violence and sexual assault program in Southeastern and Central MA, hosted a statewide forum on Batterer Intervention. In collaboration with the Department of Public Health, Congressman Jim McGovern and other domestic violence agencies, this forum was used to educate prosecutors, domestic violence advocates and community members on the need to increase referrals to Batterer Intervention programs and the ways in which support for programs and legislation around mandated Batterer Intervention can be fostered throughout the state. The forum was the first of its kind in the state.

The forum pulled together state lawmakers, Batterer Intervention experts, former Batterer Intervention participants and law enforcement officials to talk about how Batterer Intervention can be more effectively used in our communities to reduce the rate of violence and domestic violence related homicides. Over 200 participants attended the forum in Worcester, Mass.

This event was made possible due to Verizon Pioneer Jim Crosbie's identification of a need and following up with a winning Verizon Pioneer Competitive Grant submission. The $5,000 check was presented to New Hope during the forum.