Recently in a Massachusetts court, I heard the lawyer for a domestic abuser claim that the victim was not truly afraid of the abuser because she had contacted him on a parenting app. The judge responded angrily, “The protective order does not limit her behavior! That is how she is supposed to contact him regarding the children! Move on!” The judge and Massachusetts law are clear. The victim was “the protected person” and would not get in legal trouble for contacting the person against whom the order was taken out—the “restrained person.” Unfortunately, such clarity is often lacking regarding protective orders in other states. https://buff.ly/99zwo53 #DomesticViolence #Abuse #DomesticAbuse (fb)

The Purple Ribbon Award winners have been selected, and it’s time to honor the winners and celebrate the amazing work being done to help victims and survivors of domestic violence. Tune in to find out which domestic violence organizations will be selected to win the $30,000 in Purple Ribbon Awards grants. We'll also recognize all of this year's Purple Ribbon Award medallion winners individually. Be sure to invite your colleagues, friends and family to this celebration of the amazing work being done! We all know it’s not easy work. But helping victims, survivors and their families and the relentless pursuit to end domestic violence is fulfilling and necessary work. We can't wait to bring people together to celebrate all your efforts! (fb)