ASSAULT | FROM Page 1 es our criminal laws by ensuring that those who share explicit images of others without their consent face punishment, while also educating minors on the dangers of sharing explicit images of themselves rather than imposing some of the criminal justice system’s most severe consequences,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m also incredibly proud of this legislation’s bolstered protections for survivors, including the added consideration of nonphysical forms of abuse for those seeking restraining orders from their abusers. I want to thank Chairman Day and the Judiciary Committee, along with each bill sponsor and all my colleagues in the House for prioritizing this vital legislation.” “The House has heard the urgent call of survivors to enhance protections and ensure that our laws keep up with technology. But the House doesn’t just listen, we act,” said Representative Michael S. Day (D-Stoneham), House Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. “It’s critical that these reforms pass into law quickly so that victims of coercive control, adolescent sexting and revenge porn aren’t left without relief.” “Our legal system frequently falls short in supporting domestic violence victims facing the hidden agonies of psychological and emotional torment. This legislation empowers law enforcement and the judiciary with essential tools to safeguard those enduring both physical and emotional abuse,” said Representative Jessica Giannino (D-Revere). “With constant advances made in technology, it is critical our laws keep up with the changing times. I am thankful for the leadership of Speaker Mariano and Chairman Mike Day. This bill ensures victims of abuse won't endure in silence any longer.” “At a time where sexting deepfakes and revenge porn are proliferating in our society this legislation demonstrates that the Massachusetts House of Representatives is committed to protecting the privacy and rights of citizens against such conduct,” said Representative Jeff rey Rosario Turco (D-Winthrop). “I proudly voted for this bill and look forward to the day that the Governor is able to sign it into law.” Currently, minors who possess, purchase, or share explicit photos of themselves or other minors are charged with violating Massachusetts child pornography laws and are required to register as sex off enders. The legislation passed this week instead authorizes commitment to the Department of Youth Services (DYS), but also allows minors to be diverted to an educational program in lieu of criminal punishment. A district attorney, however, is allowed to petition the court to bring criminal charges in extreme cases. The educational diversion THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2024 SPORTS | FROM Page 10 It was a wild sequence to close out this game. Captain Haley Belloise had a clutch take to the basket and a sweet fi nish over the outstretched hands of the Classical defender to tie the game in the fi nal seconds. Revere then fouled a Rams player, and Classical hit one of two free throws to take the win. program, to be created by the Attorney General in consultation with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), DYS, and the District Attorneys Association, would provide teenagers with information about the legal and nonlegal consequences of sexting, which would be made available to school districts. DESE should also encourage districts to implement media literacy programs in their schools as a prevention measure. In addition to teen sexting, the bill addresses the nonconsensual distribution of explicit images by adults by establishing a penalty in the existing criminal harassment statute, including up to two and a half years of prison time and/ or a monetary fine of up to $10,000. The bill increases the upper limit of the fi ne for criminal harassment from $1,000 to $5,000. Under this bill, a victim may also petition the court for a harassment prevention order against a person who has violated this statute. The bill passed this week also adds coercive control to the defi nition of abuse. Coercive control is a nonphysical form of abuse which includes a pattern of behavior, or a single act intended to threaten, intimated, harass, isolate, control, coerce or compel compliance of a family or household member that causes the family or household member to fear physical harm or to have a reduced sense of physical safety or autonomy. Examples of coercive control include threating to share explicit images, regulating or monitoring a family or household member’s communications and access to services, and isolating a family or household member from friends or relatives. The legislation passed this week also extends the statute of limitations for assault and battery on a family or household member or against someone with an active protective order from six years to 15 years. This change brings the Massachusetts statute of limitations for these domestic violence offenses in line with the statute of limitations for rape, assault with intent to commit rape and sex traffi cking. “An Act to prevent abuse and exploitation” (H.4241) passed the House of Representatives 151-0. It now goes to the Senate for their consideration. Revere picks up second swimming win over Rams The Revere High School swim team scored its second victory of the season against Lynn Classical, 85-76. Revere started the meet off by taking fi rst and second in the 200-medley relay. Seniors Page 15 Vilson Lipa, Alem Cesic, Matt Terrell and Juan Cano took fi rst, followed by the team of seniors Jannet Sehli, Harrison Rua and Nate Hill and sophomore Nicholas Pedroza in second. Hill and Sehli hopped right out of the pool and on to the blocks for the next race, the 200 freestyle, taking second and third, respectively. Cano and Terrell went 1-2 in the 200 IM, pushing Revere’s lead to 12 points. Cesic and Rua built that lead to 18 with a 1-2 fi nish in the 50 free. Revere then ripped off three straight wins: from Terrell in the 100 fl y, Lipa in the 100 free (with Sehli in third) and Cesic and Hill going 1-2 in the 500 free. Lynn Classical mounted a comeback by taking fi rst and third in the 200-free relay. But Cano and Lipa went 1-2 in the 100 back and Rua won the 100 breaststroke to put the meet away. Are You at Risk of Developing Glaucoma? Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about the eye disease glaucoma? My older brother was recently diagnosed with it and lost some of his vision, but never had a clue anything was wrong. Could I be at risk too? Stressed Sibling Dear Stressed, Yes! Having an immediate family member with glaucoma signifi cantly increases your risks of developing it, but there are other risk factors you need to be aware of too. Here’s what you should know. What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss and blindness if it’s not treated. This typically happens because the fl uids in the eye don’t drain properly, causing increased pressure in the eyeball. But the scary thing about glaucoma is that with no early warning signs or pain, most people that have it don’t realize it until their vision begins to deteriorate. While there are two main types of glaucoma, the most common form that typically affects older adults is called openangle glaucoma. This disease develops very slowly when the eye’s drainage canals become clogged over time, leading to blind spots in the peripheral or side vision. By the time you notice it, the permanent damage is already done. Are You at Risk? It’s estimated that more than 3 million Americans have glaucoma today, but that number is expected to surge to more than 6.3 million by 2050. If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you’re at increased risk of developing it. • Are you African American, Hispanic/Latino American or Asian American? • Are you over age 60? • Do you have an immediate family member with glaucoma? • Do you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, migraines or have extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness? • Have you had a past eye injury? • Have you used corticosteroids (for example, eye drops, pills, inhalers, and creams) for long periods of time? What to Do Early detection is the key to guarding against glaucoma. So, if you’re age 40 or older and have any of the previously mentioned risk factors, especially if you’re African American, you need to get a comprehensive eye examination every 18 to 24 months. Or, if you notice some loss of peripheral vision, get to the eye doctor right away. If you’re a Medicare benefi ciary, annual eye examinations are covered for those at high risk for glaucoma. Or if you don’t have vision coverage, contact EyeCare America, a national public service program that provides free glaucoma eye exams through a pool of more than 4,600 volunteer ophthalmologists. Visit AAO. org/eyecare-america or call 877887-6327 to learn more. While there’s currently no cure for glaucoma, most cases can be treated with prescription eye drops, which reduce eye pressure and can prevent further vision loss. It cannot, however, restore vision already lost from glaucoma. If eye drops don’t work, your doctor may recommend oral medication, laser treatments, incisional surgery or a combination of these methods. For more information on glaucoma, visit the National Eye Institute at NEI.nih.gov, and the Glaucoma Research Foundation at Glaucoma.org. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. ~ Help Wanted ~ Now Hiring Deli Clerks & Deli Manager Flexible Hours - We will work with the right candidates! Positive Attitude and Enthusiastic Customer Service a must. Apply online or ask for Joe or Mary at the Store. McKINNON’S EVERETT - 620 Broadway, Everett Scan Cell Phone Here For More Information!
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