Monday,
September 16, 2002
IANNELLA
TAKES STEPS TO ASSIST FAMILIES AFFECTED BY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE;
NEW TELEPHONE HOTLINE AVAILABLE TO VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE AND ABUSE:
Actively
working to improve access to Registry and court services,
Register of Probate Richard Iannella has announced the
establishment of a telephone hotline for use by families
impacted by domestic violence and abuse. “We have a number
of programs and dedicated staff already in place to assist
victims of domestic violence, and it only makes sense that we
make it as easy as possible for them to access these
services,” he said.
At
least once each day, an incident of family abuse is the
subject of a new case filed at the Registry and usually
includes a request for a restraining order.
Iannella
had previously assisted with efforts to provide a federally
funded Greater Boston Legal Services program with courthouse
office space. This allows advocates to provide immediate,
confidential service to victims. “Our ongoing partnership
with GBLS has been highly successful,” said Iannella.
“This dedicated line will only supplement our efforts in the
future, and shows that we’re doing all that we can to assist
these victims and their families.”
The
new hotline number is (617) 788-8307, and is manned by
Registry staff each business day.
During the month of October, the
Suffolk County Probate and
Family
Court Registry will be collecting
unused and
deactivated mobile phones
on behalf of victims of domestic
violence and abuse. Details about
the collection drive will be
announced
next week.
