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
Northampton’s Housing Partnership exploring rental fee changes
Northampton City Hall File photo
Published: 3/12/2021 3:41:00 PM
NORTHAMPTON Saying that the fees some rental agencies charge tenants to secure a place to live create a barrier to living in the city, the city’s Housing Partnership has been talking about the possibility of shifting those fees from renters to landlords but it may take a change to state law to do so.
The finder’s fees that rental agencies charge to renters were a much-discussed issue at focus groups for a study of fair housing in Northampton, said Todd Weir, the partnership’s chairman.
Easthampton to use $800K grant for home upgrades, infrastructure
FILE PHOTO
Published: 3/8/2021 7:52:28 PM
EASTHAMPTON A recently awarded $800,000 grant will allow seniors and low- to moderate-income homeowners to receive financial assistance for home improvements, as well as provide the city with funding for infrastructure updates.
The Community Development Block Grant from the state Department of Community Development will be divided into allocations of $340,000 to Charles Street infrastructure improvements; slightly under $200,000 to a New City neighborhood planning study; $135,000 to the city’s Housing Rehabilitation Program; and $50,000 to its Aging in Place program. The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) will use the remaining funding to finance the program administration.
Agawam infrastructure study to benefit from unused COVID funds
Updated Mar 02, 2021;
AGAWAM One of the many projects put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, a study of infrastructure needs in North Agawam, is on the docket again.
Nearly a year after replacing the infrastructure study with a pandemic business aid fund, town officials will ask the state Department of Housing and Community Development to let them reverse that decision and proceed with the study.
“We really think this is an important project for the town,” said Town Planner Marc Strange at a public hearing last week. “There’s a lot of issues in that area.”