{"id":38203,"date":"2022-12-28T16:54:59","date_gmt":"2022-12-28T21:54:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.janedoe.org\/?p=38203"},"modified":"2023-03-07T12:38:25","modified_gmt":"2023-03-07T17:38:25","slug":"community-responds-to-2nd-suspected-lgbtq-partner-abuse-related-homicide-in-massachusetts-in-the-past-three-months-and-other-dv-related-deaths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.janedoe.org\/community-responds-to-2nd-suspected-lgbtq-partner-abuse-related-homicide-in-massachusetts-in-the-past-three-months-and-other-dv-related-deaths\/","title":{"rendered":"Community responds to 2nd suspected LGBTQ+ partner abuse-related homicide in Massachusetts in the past three months and other DV related deaths"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Since January 1, 2022, there have been 27 incidents of domestic violence related deaths in Massachusetts, according to JDI’s tracking. Two of these incidents involved members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) communities, underscoring the need for broader education and awareness in general and in culturally specific ways.<\/p>\n

JDI along with two of our coalition members, The Network\/La Red and Casa Myrna, issued a statement. We will all continue to honor those whose lives were taken from them through our continued advocacy and prevention efforts.<\/p>\n

PRESS RELEASE:
AWARESS & ACTION NEEDED<\/h1>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Vea m\u00e1s abajo para espa\u00f1ol<\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.janedoe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Casa-Myrna-TNLR-JDI.png” alt=”Logos for Casa Myrna, The Network La Red, and JDI” title_text=”Casa Myrna TNLR JDI” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 27, 2022\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Media Contact:<\/em>
Casa Myrna, Stephanie Brown,\u00a0sbrown@casamyrna.org<\/a>, 617-521-0125\u00a0<\/em>
The Network\/La Red, Beth Leventhal,\u00a0director@tnlr.org<\/a>, 857-310-5015\u00a0<\/em>
Jane Doe Inc., Toni Troop,\u00a0TTroop@janedoe.org<\/a>, 617-212-7571\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Domestic violence programs respond to the death of Jos\u00e9 Aponte<\/strong><\/p>\n

The alleged domestic violence homicide of Jos\u00e9 Aponte, 43, in his Roxbury home on December 11, 2022,\u202funderscores the need for broader education and awareness about intimate partner abuse in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities. Aponte, who was found dead during a wellness check that day, was dating Michael Perry, 37, who has been arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on a charge of first-degree murder. Perry was previously arraigned on a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon. Early news reports focused on the sensational escape attempt by Perry and omitted that the men were in a relationship, thus obscuring that this was domestic violence-related.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are deeply saddened by the news of Jose Aponte\u2019s murder and send our condolences to his loved ones,\u201d said Casa Myrna CEO Stephanie Brown. \u201cThis preventable tragedy highlights the prevalence of domestic violence in all communities and demonstrates the importance of education and awareness. Partnering with The Network\/La Red and Jane Doe Inc., we strive to break the stigma around domestic violence and help survivors feel more empowered to ask for support.\u201d<\/p>\n

This is the second suspected LGBTQ+ partner abuse-related homicide in Massachusetts in the past three months. Generally, 25-33% of LGBTQ+ people experience abuse by a partner, much the same rates as in cisgender heterosexual relationships.\u00a0However, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health\u2019s 2022 \u201cCOVID-19 Community Impact Study\u201d noted that experiences of intimate partner violence were reported two to four times more frequently since the start of the pandemic by LGBTQ+ respondents. This is similar to the Human Rights Campaign 2020 report, \u201cLGBTQ Intimate Partner Violence and COVID-19,\u201d that indicated \u201cLGBTQ people have been twice as likely to have experienced an incident of intimate partner violence since the onset of COVID-19. While 68% of the general population sample who have experienced intimate partner violence since the onset of COVID-19 said the pandemic has increased the duration and frequency of such violence, this was greater (77%) among LGBTQ respondents.\u201d<\/p>\n

While these reports may focus on physical violence, in reality, what many call \u201cdomestic violence\u201d is a much broader constellation of behaviors. \u201cIt\u2019s about one person using a pattern of behaviors to maintain power and control over a partner\u2019s thoughts, beliefs, actions, and\/or spirit,\u201d said Beth Leventhal, Executive Director of The Network\/La Red. \u201cThe tactics used to control include emotional and psychological abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, and\/or cultural\/identity abuse.\u201d Abuse can occur in intimate relationships between people of any age, ethnic group, profession, religious affiliation, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation or gender identity\/expression, regardless of whether they are married or living together.<\/p>\n

Individuals experiencing abuse are not alone, and there are resources across Massachusetts available to help. Two organizations specialize in working with LGBTQ+ individuals.\u00a0The Network\/La Red works statewide with LGBTQ+ survivors of partner abuse, offering free services including a 24-hour hotline, safety planning, support groups, safe home, transitional housing, and individual advocacy and support for LGBTQ+ survivors of partner abuse. Fenway Health\u2019s Violence Recovery Program (VRP) provides free counseling, support groups, advocacy, and referrals to survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, hate violence, and police misconduct.<\/p>\n

\u201cDomestic and sexual violence thrive in silence and often result in isolation and increased vulnerability,\u201d said Toni K. Troop, Director of Communications and Development at Jane Doe Inc. \u201cWe urge anyone who is concerned for themselves or someone they know to turn to a trusted advocate at a rape crisis center or domestic violence program to talk about what you need, available resources, and options.\u201d<\/p>\n

Casa Myrna, The Network\/La Red, and Jane Doe Inc. remain committed to supporting survivors of all sexual orientations and gender identities.<\/p>\n

If you are concerned about your relationship or the relationship of a friend or family member, call:<\/p>\n