Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 Police and community partnership to end domestic violence H aving enjoyed long-standing partnerships with local police departments in the effort to end domestic violence crime, Medford Police Detective Brooke Stanton-Hurd recently visited with the Everett Police Department and its on-site EVAPorate Violence Program (EVAP). EVAP was created through the innovation of former Mayor David Ragucci and former Police Chief James Rogers, who partnered with Portal To Hope (PTH) 23 years ago to ensure increased support to people whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence crime. Over the years, the program has continued to receive signifi cant support via Everett city government and the Human Services Department, and with the added leadership of Police Chief Steven Mazzie, EVAP serves as a community staple and leader in the cause to end domestic violence. “Our partnership with the City of Everett has helped to reduce recidivism of domestic violence crime over the years,” said PTH Founder Deborah Fallon. “Everett was the best place to initiate this specifi c type of program, which now serves as a model for other communities and states to adopt, and that Pictured from left to right: Portal To Hope Victim Advocates Jen Battelle, Marni Gallagher and Rothsaida Sylvaince are pictured with EPD Captain Paul Landry and EPD Offi cer Nicole O’Donnell and Medford Police Detective Brooke Stanton-Hurd. Register Online at: www.phunkphenomenon.com is because of the City of Everett’s leadership and the great partnership work by the Everett Police.” Fallon cited that Mayor Carlo DeMaria helped to fi nd additional program support during the COVID-19 pandemic to help ensure emergency shelter and other direct care services for Everett residents victimized by abuse. EVAP and PTH have experienced increased calls for crisis intervention services over the last 18 months since the onset of the pandemic. “We didn't even have to ask for the help,” said Fallon. “Mayor DeMaria and his team had the forethought to just keep us connected to resources in order that we could continue our direct care work and meet the increased demand for serOPEN HOUSE Saturday, Sept. 11th 11:00 am - 1:00 pm CLASSES OFFERED FOR FALL SEASON HIP HOP | BREAKDANCING MUSIC & DANCE APPRECIATION | SALSA CONTEMPORARY | SOUTHERN SWAG | DANCEHALL TAP | BABY BALLET | LITE FEET 1886 Revere Beach Parkway (above Popeyes & Dunkin Donuts) in Everett 617-389-9111 / For more information, email LILPHUNK2@AOL.COM vices. This is why we love working in Everett, where we have the privilege of working with some terrifi c people over the last 23 years.” In August, PTH reopened an offi ce onsite at the new Medford Police Station, replicating EVAP and adapting to the needs of the Medford community. PTH has been at the forefront of encouraging police and civilian partnerships in ending violent crimes; and the nonprofi t was featured on The Montel Williams Show along with the Everett Police for its expertise in developing the community-law enforcement partnership. To learn more about EVAP and to get involved at PTH, please call (781) 338-7678 or visit www.portaltohope.org. FROM MTVʼS AMERICAʼS BEST DANCE CREW
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