District Attorney Marian Ryan Donates Proceeds from 160 Forfeited Cell Phones to REACH Beyond Domestic Violence Funds will be used for phone-related services to benefit victims and survivors of domestic violence
WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced that the proceeds from over 160 forfeited cell phones have been donated to REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, an organization that raises community awareness about domestic violence and provides support and services to survivors and their families.
The cell phones, obtained through the drug forfeiture process, are priced and recycled for parts; the monetary value of the parts will go directly to REACH Beyond Domestic Violence and will be used for phone-related services to benefit victims and survivors of domestic violence.
REACH Beyond Domestic Violence is a comprehensive domestic violence service agency serving 7,000 people a year through a combination of intervention and prevention services. They provide a shelter, 24-hour hotline and community-based support services provide domestic violence survivors with the help they need to achieve permanent safety and independence. Additionally prevention programs are offered designed to engage the community, generate conversations and create locally-based solutions to end domestic violence.
District Attorney Ryan is addressing issues surrounding domestic violence through a comprehensive approach using education, training and outreach in addition to prosecution to promote prevention and provide resources for victims.
District Attorney Ryan has also expanded her Office's Domestic Violence Pro Bono Initiative, a first-of-its kind partnership, designed to address the significant gap in the way domestic violence victims are served during the restraining order process. The office has partnered with 13 Boston-area civil law firms to identify victims who need legal assistance and then assign a private attorney to provide representation free of charge. Assistant District Attorneys are unable to represent domestic violence victims during the restraining order process because the order is a civil document.
District Attorney Ryan also works to raise public awareness about domestic violence and inform the community about resources that are available through programs like Cut It Out, a nation-wide domestic violence prevention program geared towards salon professionals.