EVAPorate Domestic Violence Program
Having enjoyed long-standing partnerships with local police departments in the effort to end domestic violence crime, Medford Police Detective Brooke Stanton-Hurd recently visited with the Everett Police Department and its onsite EVAPorate Violence Program (“EVAP”). EVAP was created through the innovation of former Mayor David Ragucci and former Police Chief James Rogers who partnered with Portal To Hope (“PTH”) 23 years ago to ensure increased support to people whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence crime. Over the years, the program has continued to receive significant support via Everett City Government and the Mayor’s Office of Human Services, and with the added leadership of Police Chief Steven Mazzie, EVAP serves as a community staple and leader in the cause to end domestic violence. “Our partnership with the City of Everett has helped to reduce recidivism of domestic violence crime over the years,” said Deborah Fallon, EVAP Director. “Everett was the best place to initiate this specific type of program, which now serves as a model for other communities and states to adopt, and that is because of the City’s leadership and the great partnership work by the Everett Police.” Fallon cited that Mayor Carlo DeMaria helped to find additional program support during the COVID-19 pandemic to help ensure emergency shelter and other direct care services for Everett residents victimized by abuse. EVAP and PTH have experienced increased calls for crisis intervention services over the last eighteen months since the onset of the pandemic. “We didn’t even have to ask for the help,” said Fallon. “Mayor DeMaria and his team had the forethought to just keep us connected to resources in order that we could continue our direct care work and meet the increased demand for services. This is why we love working in Everett, where we have the privilege of working with some terrific people over the last 23 years.”
In August, PTH re-opened an office onsite at the new Medford Police station, replicating EVAP and adapting to the needs of the Medford community. PTH has been at the forefront of encouraging police and civilian partnerships in ending violent crimes; and the nonprofit was featured on The Montel Williams Show along with the Everett Police for its expertise in developing the community-law enforcement partnership.
To learn more about EVAP and the new Medford Police Department Program, please call (781) 338-7678, or visit www.portaltohope.org.