Somerville Commission for Women

Our People

Commissioners

• Stephanie Galaitsi
• Kimberly Sheridan
• Christina Morone
• Mallory Carrol
• Alex Barbat

Commissioners are women living in Somerville who volunteer for a three-year term and are appointed by the Mayor. They work with the Staff Liaison, decide on activities and projects the Commission will pursue, and carry out those activities through committee work. The Staff Liaison helps coordinates projects and events, represents the Commission on a variety of committees and task forces, and responds to inquiries from the community.

Volunteers serve on committees and provide essential assistance in organizing and staffing Commission events and activities.

The Work of the Commission

The Commission focuses on advocacy, education, and outreach in regards and on behalf of women.  The Commission has a special focus on anti-violence, financial literacy, empowerment, coalition building, and monitoring and supporting legislation.

Events & Activities

Meetings

All Commission meetings are open to the public.

The full Commission meets on the Third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Commission meetings take place on Zoom.

We welcome your questions, comments, ideas and participation. If you would like more information or want to be on our mailing list, please contact us.

 

Women's Data

Meeting Agendas & Minutes

Start by Believing

The City of Somerville is proud to announce that April will be recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in the community. Throughout the month, the City will highlight the importance of sexual assault prevention, support for survivors, and the ongoing efforts to create a safe and respectful environment for all individuals. 

If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual violence, help is available. For more information, resources, and support, please contact the Somerville Police Advocate, Maureen DiPaolo at 617-625-1600 x7279 or mdipaolo@police.somerville.ma.us.

We’re compiling more information about the Start By Believing initiative here and invite community members to download some of the promotional materials and resources below and join in the campaign by sharing during the month of April. Together, we can break the silence, support survivors, and create a safer, more compassionate community for all.
 

More about “Start By Believing Day” 

Q. WHAT IS START BY BELIEVING?

A. Start by Believing is a public awareness and action campaign launched by End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI) in April 2011. It was created to end the cycle of silence and change the way society responds to sexual assault. The campaign focuses specifically on changing the response to survivors of sexual assault by expressing belief and support, rather than doubt, shame, or blame.

Q. WHY DO WE NEED TO START BY BELIEVING?

A. Sexual assault victims often face reactions of doubt and blame when they report the crime or reach out for help. These reactions can increase the trauma survivors experience and decrease the likelihood they will pursue justice and healing. This also means that perpetrators are not held accountable for their crimes, and they remain free to hurt more people.

Q. IS START BY BELIEVING APPROPRIATE FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROFESSIONALS?

A. Start by Believing is appropriate for criminal justice professionals because case outcomes will only change when police and prosecutors start from the presumption that a sexual assault report has merit, and then follow the evidence through the course of a fair, impartial, and thorough investigation. This reflects the basic logic of why we describe individuals as “victims,” “suspects,” and “witnesses” during a preliminary investigation If there was not starting presumption that a crime report had merit, no investigation would be conducted at all.

Q. WHAT IMPACT DOES START BY BELIEVING HAVE ON SURVIVORS?

A. When someone has been sexually assaulted, they often turn first to family members or friends. If the response to their disclosure is disbelief or blame, this can increase the trauma of the assault and reduce the chances that the victim will report to law enforcement or seek other services. On the other hand, victims who are treated with respect and whose accounts are taken seriously will often feel more comfortable reporting or seeking additional help. When survivors have the support of friends and family, as well as positive interactions with law enforcement, victim advocates, medical providers, and others, it can decrease the long-term effects of trauma.

Research shows the two things that have the most positive impact on survivors are: (1) having someone to talk to, and (2) being believed. In other words, Start by Believing.

Promotional Materials