Co-Chair of the City of Somerville’s Commission for Women Kristen Strezo.

By Kristen Strezo
Co-Chair Somerville Commission for Women

The cold reality is that some Somerville residents will be the victim of violence, domestic or otherwise. Based on last year’s statistics, Somerville is projected to have 671 reports of domestic incidents and 140 domestic assaults in 2018.

One of the Somerville Commission for Women’s (SCW) goals is to connect citizens with as many resources as possible so that each Somerville resident may live their best, supported lives.

As the SCW’s annual Domestic Violence Vigil is happening on Wednesday, October 3, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Statue Park in Davis Square, I wanted the commission to emphasize the services to help victims of violence.

Maureen DiPaolo is the Victim’s Advocate for the Somerville Police Department. Many residents may not be aware of the support she can provide to victims of violence. My co-chair, Cristina DeWeese and I sat down with DiPaolo recently to talk about her work. Below are her responses.

What services do you provide that Somerville residents may not be aware of?

Somerville residents may not be aware that you do not have to report a crime to receive services. As an Advocate, I provide referrals to outside agencies such as RESPOND and BARCC. I also can provide information about Restraining Orders, Harassment Orders and the general court process. In some occasions I am able to provide accompaniment to court proceedings and give additional support. Each case is different and I am always willing to try something new to help support victims during what can be a very difficult time.

Once a victim of a crime comes to the Somerville Police Department, do they have to stay with the case the entire step of the way?

Most crimes are prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Office once a criminal complaint has been issued or an arrest has been made. Under the Victim Bill of Rights, Victims have the right to be informed, to be present and to be heard. Discretion of prosecution is solely that of the DA’s Office. However, Victims of Sexual Assault are in total control of where a case goes regarding criminal prosecution. They have many options as to how their case proceeds.

What is the Victim’s Fund?

Victim Compensation is a fund through the Attorney General’s Office that provides economic relief to victims of crime. The only requirement to apply for compensation is that a police report has been filed. Victims are eligible to receive funds for medical expenses, lost wages and more related to the crime. More information can be found at mass.gov.

We are hearing reports of ICE raids throughout Massachusetts. Although Somerville is a Sanctuary City, what would you like Somerville residents to know if they find themselves the victim of a crime?

The Somerville Police Department works independently from Immigrations Services. We do not question people’s status or hold people based on immigration status.

When people come to the police for help what would you like them to know?

The Somerville Police Department works every day to better satisfy the needs of the community. Our officers are trained in how to best approach these difficult and sensitive situations. We are constantly working towards providing the best possible experience knowing that dealing with the Police in any form can be scary, troubling, and confusing.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

Kristen Strezo is the Co-Chair of the City of Somerville’s Commission for Women; however, the views and opinions expressed in this article are entirely her own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the City of Somerville.