Search Results

Caddie Nath-Folsom Director, Legal Services caddie.nath@dovema.org Caddie (she/her) joined DOVE in 2023 after more than 5 years representing survivors in immigration and family law matters as a CLAVC attorney at the Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts. Before starting her legal practice, Caddie clerked for Associate Justice James Milkey on the Massachusetts Appeals Court. Caddie earned her J.D. from Boston University School of Law in 2016 and also holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the BU Pardee School of Global Studies (2017). She completed her bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Journalism at the University of Denver in 2010. She loves books, baking, yoga and dogs. RETURN TO ALL STAFF

Thomas Leavitt Director of Development tom.leavitt@dovema.org Thomas Leavitt (he/him) joined DOVE in January, 2024 as Director of Development. Tom brings experience leading diverse nonprofit organizations committed to social justice, access to healthcare, and youth development. As a development and marketing values driven professional for more than 20 years, past appointments include leadership roles with the Boys & Girls Club of Newton, GLAD, and Fenway Health. He remains committed to serving underserved and disenfranchised communities. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, he participated in programs at Rutgers College and Brandies University Fisher-Bernstein Institute for Philanthropy. RETURN TO ALL STAFF

Learn More What Is Domestic Violence? ​ Domestic violence, also known as partner abuse, is a pattern of behavior used to establish non-consensual power and control over another person through fear and intimidation. While the abuse may cause injury, it does not have to be physical. Domestic violence also takes the form of emotional, verbal, sexual, technological, cultural and financial abuse. Domestic violence affects people of all races, ethnicities, gender and sexual identities, abilities and socio-economic classes. Partner abuse happens when one person believes that they are entitled to control another. Assault, battering, and domestic violence are crimes ​ For anonymous, confidential help available 24/7, call DOVE's hotline at 617-471-1234 or 888-314-3683 What Does Abuse Include? ​Abuse may begin with behaviors that may easily be dismissed or downplayed such as name-calling, threats, possessiveness, or distrust. Abusers may apologize profusely for their actions or try to convince the person they are abusing that they do these things out of love or care. However, violence and control always intensifies over time with an abuser, despite the apologies. What may start out as something that was first believed to be harmless (e.g., wanting the victim to spend all their time only with them because they love them so much) escalates into extreme control and abuse (e.g., threatening to kill or hurt the victim or others if they speak to family, friends, etc.). Some examples of abusive tendencies include but are not limited to: Jealousy Cruelty to Animals or Children Controlling Behavior “Playful” Use of Force in Sex Quick Involvement Verbal Abuse Unrealistic Expectations Rigid Sex Roles Isolation Past Battering Threats of Violence Breaking or Striking Objects Hypersensitivity Any Force During an Argument Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Blaming others for problems or feelings Is Domestic Violence Always Physical Abuse? ​ It is important to note that domestic violence does not always manifest as physical abuse. Emotional and psychological abuse can often be just as extreme as physical violence. Lack of physical violence does not mean the abuser is any less dangerous to the victim, nor does it mean the victim is any less trapped by the abuse. For anonymous, confidential help available 24/7, call DOVE's hotline at 617-471-1234 or 888-314-3683 View Our Resource Page

Rachel C. Sykes, LMHC Licensed Psychotherapist Owner, Private Practice Rachel C. Sykes is a licensed psychotherapist and private practice owner in downtown Boston, working primarily with stressed out professional women, offering both individual and couples therapy. Prior to entering the mental health field, Rachel worked for 25 years in the investment industry where she held senior roles in research, product and portfolio management. She enjoys teaching, with experience teaching both finance and counseling at local universities, and remains an active volunteer in the CFA Boston's Financial Literacy initiative. In addition to financial literacy, Rachel also enjoys speaking on wellness issues such as stress reduction, healthy communication, and therapeutic yoga practices. Rachel has an undergraduate degree in psychology, a Master in Business Administration, and a Master in Education, and has also earned the right to use the CFA designation. Fun Fact: Rachel's family is from the west of Ireland, and she spends most of her spare time there doing yard work and visiting with family. Back to Board of Directors

Abby Belyea Community Advocate & Civilian Domestic Violence Advocate abby.belyea@dovema.org Abby Belyea MSW, LCSW (she/her) earned her undergraduate degree in Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies and International Global Studies from Brandeis University in 2018. She also holds a Master of Social Work degree from Boston College. Throughout Abby's career, she has advocated consistently for bodily autonomy across races, genders, and sexualities. Abby began her work at DOVE as a Community Advocate Intern before accepting a position as a Community Advocate & Civilian Domestic Violence Advocate. In her role, she has a caseload of individual clients, co-facilitates DV101 support groups, and connects with survivors through the Norwood and Dedham police departments, providing support and resources in the community. RETURN TO ALL STAFF

Legal Advocacy Resources Domestic Violence & Legal Help Resources Mass Legal Help General DV Resources Find Free or Low Cost Legal Assistance Guide to Interviewing Attorneys for Representation: Questions to Ask an Attorney You Are Considering to Handle Your Care Restraining Orders & Harassment Prevention Orders Resources 209A Restraining Order Information Court Forms for 209A Restraining Orders & 258E Harassment Prevention Orders Restraining Order Process Restraining Order Information Housing & Benefits Resources MA Defense for Eviction Self-Guided Answer & Discovery Housing Search & Rental Assistance Resources Information About Public Benefits DTA Connect: Apply for SNAP, TAFDC, & EAEDC, Upload Documents, and Communicate with DTA UI Online: Apply for Unemployment Insurance Fact Sheet on Breaking Your Lease as a Survivor of Domestic Violence Family Law Resources Information About Child Custody Information About Child Support Information About Family Law including Divorce, Paternity, Visitation, etc. Court Forms for Probate and Family Court How to Apply to Waive Court Fees if You Cannot Afford Them Immigration Resources Information About Immigration Language Access Resources Arabic / النماذِج والمعلومات باللُغة العربية Chinese / 在中文形式和信息 Haitian Creole / Fòm ak enfòmasyon an Kreyòl Ayisyen Portuguese / Formulários e informações em português Khmer / សណ្ឋាន និងព័ត៌មាននានាជាភាសាខ្មែរ Russian / Бланки и данные на русском языке Spanish / Formularios e información en español Vietnamese / Các mẫu đơn của tòa án và thông tin bằng tiếng Việt​​

Civilian Domestic Violence Advocate Program The Civilian Domestic Violence Advocacy Program was established in an effort to respond, bring awareness and create increased access points for services to those experiencing intimate partner violence. ​ DOVE has Civilian Advocacy Staff specifically based in and works with multiple police departments in Norfolk County. Advocacy Staff review domestic violence police reports and reach out to those identified as well as through other referrals to provide: ​ information about safety planning emotional support and options restraining order assistance variety of other advocacy services ​ We believe it is helpful for people to talk about the risks they are facing, know their options and how to take advantage of supports and services. There is an Advocate on site weekly at Quincy and Dedham District Courts to provide support to victims navigating the Restraining Order or Criminal Justice System processes as needed. Civilian Advocacy Staff are able to provide support, clarity and information to those trying to understand and navigate this complex and confusing system. ​ There is a DOVE Advocate currently based in the communities of Braintree, Dedham, Holbrook, Milton, Norwood, Quincy, Randolph and Weymouth. Civilian Domestic Violence Advocate for the Dedham and Norwood communities: Sarah Kinnane – 857.939.3058 ​ Bicultural/Bilingual Haitian Creole Advocate – Holbrook, Milton and Randolph communities: Julie Thermidor – 617.831.8326 ​ Civilian Domestic Violence Advocate Program Manager - Braintree, Quincy, Weymouth communities: Maureen Flores – 617.653.4226 Helpful Numbers Quincy District Court : DA’s Office: 617.479.7454 Restraining Order Clerk: 617.984.4191 Restraining Order Advocate: 617.984.4193 ​ Dedham District Court: Restraining Order – Civil Clerk’s Office: 781.329.4777 , press 2 Victim Witness Advocates in the DA’s Office: 781.251.0216

General Domestic Violence Resources Assessment of Change in Abusive People Power & Control Wheel Control Tactics Used By Abusive Partners Red Flags Disguised as Romantic Gestures Couples Counseling Relationship Bill of Rights Cycle of Abuse Relationship Spectrum Defining Domestic Violence Restraining Order Process Defining Healthy Relationships Restraining Order Information Domestic Violence & the Faith Community Supporting Patients How to Support Survivors Personalized Safety Plan Types of Abuse What Can I Do To Address Domestic Violence?

Jen Bolton Director, Education & Prevention jen.bolton@dovema.org Jen, MSW, LICSW (she/her) is the Director of Prevention and Education and has been working at DOVE since 2009 giving presentations, trainings and workshops to community members, professionals and students on domestic violence. She holds a masters in social work and maintains a small caseload supporting survivors of domestic violence in group and individual settings. RETURN TO ALL STAFF

Client Feedback Survey

Desiree Patrice Board Treasurer Deputy Chief of Green Line Transformation, MBTA Back to Board of Directors

Stephanie Neal-Johnson Board President CEO, The Truth Group ​ Stephanie D. Neal-Johnson is an accomplished senior executive with sharp business acumen and vast knowledge of public policy. Backed by over 20 years of success in the development, restructuring, and negotiation of business ventures in academics, government, civil rights, public, not-for-profit and faith sectors. She has proven success in risk reduction, policy and program development, solving complex business issues, and regulatory compliance that she has shared with non-profit and faith-based organizations to reorganize, support and retool. ​ She has served on several Boards and Committees to support community fundraising, endowment growth, expansion strategies, and recruitment initiatives. ​ Throughout her career, practicing law, ministry and in academia, she has developed and participated in programs designed to improve reputation, service, and engagement with leaders and the community and the constituents and students served by them. She has served two gubernatorial administrations as a highly ranked state government official, where she oversaw the daily operations of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the agency that is responsible for issues related to workforce development, labor relations, worker safety, and jobless benefits. Prior to that, Stephanie served in a series of positions with increasing levels of responsibility at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, including Assistant Secretary/Chief of Staff and Undersecretary and Interim Chief of Civil Rights. In the latter position, she was credited with reorganizing the Diversity and Civil Rights Department and leading it to a national leadership position among transportation departments. ​ She accepted her call to the ministry nearly 20 years ago, understanding that her work centered around “ministry without walls” a ministry calling her to service wherever she may be. Among her many pursuits and passions is that of Women’s Ministry inside and outside of the church. She is currently the pastor of OneLove Christian Ministry. ​ Stephanie is a graduate of Columbia University in the City of New York, Boston University School of Law and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. ​ Stephanie attributes her success to God’s favor and to her strong home base. She has been married to Frederich L. Johnson for nearly 27 years. She has two wonderful and productive sons holding their positions as honor students; Jabari, a rising Junior at Syracuse University and Jonah, a Swarthmore-bound recent graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy. Back to Board of Directors