So many people have asked why I didn't reach out to MAAV: Melrose Alliance Against Violence.  The truth is I did; multiple times. Around the end of October/beginning of November, 2023 I reached out to then-Executive Director of MAAV Crystal Johnson. I was encouraged by their visibility in the Melrose Community and their White Ribbon Day pledge, which includes:

   

 "I will speak out against attitudes and behaviors that contribute to sexual assault and domestic violence." 

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     "I will find out how to help when I suspect that someone I know is a victim or offender of sexual assault or domestic violence."

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     You can imagine my shock, frustration, and supreme disappointment when she told me that they really only focus on the 'domestic violence' part of their pledge and that they would not get involved because my "offender" was a Melrose politician and it could be viewed as a "political stance." They gave my abuser a PASS because of his political profile.  Interestingly enough, that didn't seem to stop members of their board...and specifically then-board president Joe Guarino...who are in various Facebook Groups, liking posts from people who think I should keep silent. I guess taking a political stance is ok for the people who run the organization, but not the organization itself, regardless of what they pledge they will do.

     I reached out a couple more times to Crystal but received no response. It was only then I decided to send a final email, below.  If this is what we can expect from local advocacy groups who claim to help, it's no wonder victims are hesitant to seek them out.