Regional Notebook: April 20, 2021
Published: 4/19/2021 3:21:24 PM
New helpline for domestic violence launches
Ten to Ten, a free, confidential helpline for people who abuse or may abuse their intimate partner, launched last week serving Western Massachusetts residents. The helpline (877-898-3411) will operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., 365 days a year.
Family, friends and professionals worried that someone may harm their partner can also call the helpline. The project is part of a national movement that seeks to increase non-criminal responses to intimate partner violence.
The helpline is a collaboration between the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Behavioral Health Network and Growing a New Heart. According to a press release from the commission, an advisory board of regional partners as well as two rural domestic violence task forces from the Ware River Valley and the southern hilltowns will oversee the project.
Program to counsel ‘abuser’ may lead to better understanding of roots of domestic violence (Editorial)
Updated Apr 16, 2021;
A reasonable and logical approach in handling domestic violence incidents is to focus on the victim. Reacting to the victims’ needs and immediate safety could be a matter of life and death. A variety of programs have been successful in supporting and directing those in need help and many have saved lives.
A recent effort by mental health and social justice organizations have devised a new approach in reacting to domestic violence. Not only will help, support and resources go to the victim, but a program has been developed to focus on the abuser.
Western Massachusetts hotline for domestic abusers is 1st of its kind in US
Updated Apr 15, 2021;
With various national studies revealing that domestic violence has increased during the coronavirus pandemic, several area mental health and social justice organizations have come together to launch a helpline for abusers who need help stopping their violent behavior.
“Ten to Ten,” a free, confidential helpline for people who abuse or may abuse their intimate partner, launched on Thursday and is the first of its kind in the U.S., although similar programs exist in Australia and the United Kingdom.
“We are creating more options for people who want to learn how to be a safe partner, and options outside the criminal justice system. We are turning to the direct source of abuse the person who abuses and asking them to help,” said Monica Moran, manager of domestic violence prevention projects at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, one of the agencies overseeing the helplin
Holyoke COVID vaccine clinic canceled due to pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccine
Updated 1:07 PM;
Today 11:15 AM
Behavioral Health Network president and CEO Steve Winn speaks at a press conference announcing a partnership between BHN and the City of Springfield to provide COVID-19 vaccines to eligible residents. In the rear are Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and Health and Human Services Commissionor Helen Caulton-Harris. The event took place at BHN headquarters on Liberty Street, March 19. 2021. (Don Treeger / The Republican)
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HOLYOKE Behavioral Health Network has canceled its COVID-19 vaccine clinic scheduled for Tuesday at the Flats Community Building on Canal Street, in line with state and federal orders to pause the administration of Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses.
"This is an unfortunate situation, but as always we will abide by the guidance and information we receive from our state and federal health partners,” one official said.