So you think it can't happen in your town? On May 21st 2019 someone was beaten to death in Lexington, a crime of domestic abuse.  Domestic violence respects no zip code and is on the rise due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

Please join Sisterhood for a program on domestic abuse with the Domestic Violence Services Network (DVSN). Jaquelin Apsler, Executive Director, and Alison Tarmy, Director of Client Services, will speak on how to recognize it, how to help, what NOT to do, and the impact of COVID-19. This organization serves 13 area towns, including Lexington, working both with the police and with victims. 

Please invite your close friends and family to join us for this important conversation, understanding (for security concerns) that the Zoom link is only for those within the Temple Isaiah community.  Others should use the RSVP, and a zoom link will be sent to them.

Please send your questions, in advance, to Diane Yasgur (hrglobal@comcast.net).  We will have a 15-minute Q&A at the end of the program, however, if you send your questions in advance, the speakers will incorporate them into the presentation.

A candlelight vigil was held in October in memory of individuals who lost their lives in 2019 to domestic violence in the towns serviced by DVSN.  You can view the video of that vigil here.

Donate your old cell phone (with battery) to DVSN. These are wiped clean and an emergency number is inserted for victims to use during an emergency. Place in a baggie and drop off at the home of Sandy Bornstein (sandra.a.bornstein@gmail.com) or contact Diane Yasgur if you need it picked up or have questions (hrglobal@comcast.net).

Learn more about DVSN’s volunteer advocacy program or other ways of getting involved with this organization, please contact Jacquelin, apsler@verizon.net, or Alison, atarmy@police.bedfordma.gov.

View Zoom details, here.

Jacquelin Apsler, M.Ed. MBA
Executive Director, Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN)

Jacquelin Apsler has had enormous success in bridging the worlds of civilian community members and police departments—a model that sets DVSN apart.  She has worked in the domestic violence field for fifteen years—a natural extension of the violence prevention and anti-bullying program development that Jacquelin promoted in her roles as school principal and special educator. Jacquelin has extensive experience as an organizational and educational leader, program manager, and consultant in public and private sectors.  Under Jacquelin’s leadership, DVSN is recognized as a model program of collaboration and advocacy and is often suggested as a model for similar programs across the state and nation.

Alison Tarmy, MPH,  MSW
Director of Client Services, Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) 

Alison began at DVSN in 2004 and oversees the agency’s DVVAP program (Domestic Violence Victims Advocate Program), a program that collaborates with 12 local police departments and Hanscom AFB to provide follow-up on all domestics, Court Support Program (program that assists individuals who are seeking Abuse Prevention Orders at District Courts), Lawyer For A Day Program (LFAD: program that offers free legal assistance to clients), and CMAST (high risk court response team to identify and monitor offenders at high risk to commit future violence).  Alison supervises the agency’s 75+ volunteer Advocates and is the liaison to the Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Maynard, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland and Weston Police Departments.