RESPOND, Inc. is a grassroots organization that was started in Somerville to stop domestic violence, even before the term ‘domestic violence’ existed. By Jeremy F. van der Heiden Domestic violence is one of the most misunderstood, overlooked and serious societal problems plaguing communities around Massachusetts and the country. In the first five weeks or so of the New Year, there have already been eight domestic violence homicides in Massachusetts. The initial and consistent reaction that seems to be common is to chalk these homicides and other acts of violence within the home as direct results of the frustrations caused by a down economy. A defining characteristic of domestic violence is the reluctance of the victim to seek out help, which can be brought on by innate human fear, embarrassment and a whole other slew of dark, entrapping emotions. On top of the conscience dilemma found when a person needs to turn in a husband, wife, parent or other close family member to authorities to survive, many victims don't know that there are outlets out there. One of these outlets, which has been serving Somerville and many of its neighboring towns and cities since 1974, is RESPOND, Inc. RESPOND, Inc. is a grassroots organization that was started in Somerville to stop domestic violence, even before the term 'domestic violence' existed.

Jessica Brayden, the Executive Director of RESPOND, INC., voiced some of her observations in an interview last week. What seemed to be a major concern of hers was the fact that the eight domestic violence homicides have not been looked at, nor received by the public in the context of domestic violence. Brayden stated, "Two things that I've seen lately that have been very concerning were the means of some of the recent homicides. One of them was by strangulation, and another was by stabbing. Both of these are very intimate, personal, they take a long time, and face to face ways of murdering." These more personal means of murder are indicators that there had been something seriously wrong in the relationship before the crime, and thusly they could have been prevented.

These past eight domestic violence related homicides have, for the most part, been portrayed by the media as homicides unrelated to one another. The rate, at which they are happening, as well as how according to Brayden there has been a significant rise in the number of people that RESPOND has heard from, is an enormous red flag.

The reasons why the media have not discussed the fact that these murders are connected by their roots in domestic violence, is yet to be known. It could be ignorance, or a reluctance to discuss such a 'touchy' issue, but in any case, it is irresponsible in that it fails to tell the whole story. For example, imagine eight homicides in five weeks caused by racial prejudice in one state and not discussing the rate at which that specific kind of violence is happening. Another drawback in the battle against Domestic Violence is the misunderstanding of it. Brayden and RESPOND, Inc. work to educate people about it.

"We really need to make sure that people are educated as to what domestic violence is." Brayden stated, "the common understanding being kicking, or punching, or other physical violence." Intimidation, forced isolation, financial restraints, and many other non-physically violent acts are as serious as those of physical nature, and in some cases are even bigger indicators of a more dire problem. Brayden also pointed out how "in many occurrences, by the time the person who is the victim becomes aware that they are in this situation, they are so submerged in it that they are left wondering 'how did I let this happen to myself?'"

Brayden also voiced her frustration about how the public seems to be receiving these homicides. She feels that the public is seeing a raise in domestic violence as a characteristic of a hurting financial standing of many. Brayden stressed that financial desolation does not breed domestic violence, but rather it makes a problem that had already existed worse. That is to say, if our economy were in as good of shape as ever there wouldn't be an extinction of domestic violence. Rather, these problems are caused by much more deeply rooted factors, factors that financial frustration magnifies.

As is so with any societal plague, education is the best way to eradicate. Brayden expressed how RESPOND has been lucky enough to work with cooperative schools around their area of jurisdiction, and that they will continue to work to educate the public on domestic violence and its dangers.

For any more information on domestic violence, RESPOND Inc., how to help or how to get help, visit RESPOND's website at www.respondinc.org. There one can find extensive resources related to domestic violence. Their crisis hotline (617) 623-5900 is available 24 hours a day, and can be used completely confidentially.