BOSTON, Oct. 15, 2014—In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley will host a fundraiser this evening to support the city’s largest provider of services to survivors of domestic violence.

Tonight’s event benefiting Casa Myrna Vazquez has been organized by members of the DA’s Victim Witness Assistance Program in order to ensure that victims in Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop have access to lifesaving services offered by Casa Myrna – including shelter, education, counseling, and legal advocacy to help victims escape abusive households and achieve self-sufficiency.  In addition, Casa Myrna operates the SafeLink Hotline, the state’s only toll-free domestic violence hotline, which responds to nearly 30,000 calls each year.

“Part of ending domestic violence is raising awareness about it,” Conley said. “It’s making clear to victims and survivors that they’re not alone, and it’s making clear to abusers and others that it’s unacceptable in any relationship. Casa Myrna is absolutely instrumental in those efforts. They’ve been a valuable resource for countless people in countless circumstances. I’m honored to support them and help ensure that the vital services they offer remain available for those in crisis,” Conley said.

Casa Myrna was founded in 1977 by volunteers in Boston’s South End to provide a safe haven for women who were being abused by their husbands and partners, often in front of their children. The organization was named for Myrna Vazquez, an actress and activist who organized members of South End’s Puerto Rican community.

In addition to Suffolk prosecutors and victim advocates, attendees are expected to include Casa Myrna leadership staff, members of the Boston, Chelsea, and Revere police departments, and others.

The fundraiser will take place from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. today at The Bell in Hand Tavern at 45 Union Street in downtown Boston. Tickets are $15 at the door or online at http://www.casamyrna.org/donate-2/. Media are invited to attend.

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