Salem domestic violence agency's new name fits its mission

The name has changed, but the mission remains the same.

After 30 years, the Salem-based nonprofit agency previously known as Help for Abused Women and their Children will be called Healing Abuse Working for Change.

According to Candace Waldron, HAWC executive director, the new name more closely aligns with the agency's commitment to serve all those who are affected by domestic abuse in the 23 cities and towns it serves.

"A lot of people thought we only served women," said Waldron, who noted that the agency has historically responded to the needs of male victims, though in fewer numbers. "We've just decided that it's time to really own the issue of being inclusive and serving folks in same-sex relationships, and also in a more diverse community."

HAWC celebrated its 30th anniversary last fall.

"We've always had a two-fold mission, of both helping folks get safe but also changing the social norms that lead to violence," Waldron said. "That social mission has changed over time. Thirty years ago, gay and lesbian and transgender folks were still closeted. Now, as churches are becoming open and affirming, and legislation all over the country is dealing with same-sex marriage, we feel that domestic abuse happens in gay and straight relationships and we need to be able to serve both communities."

HAWC's educational message has long been targeted to males as well as females. For 12 years, Ray Carey would invite HAWC educators to talk to students in his Current Race and Gender Issues class at the all-boys St. John's Prep in Danvers, which led to the school creating a program specifically designed for the freshman class. The talks would focus on recognizing signs of dating violence and types of abuse, and the roles society has carved out for women and men.

"It's going to take all of us to change the social norms, and men are as much a part of the solution as women," Waldron said.

Now retired as a teacher, Carey sits on the HAWC board of directors. "As a board member, I always try to pay attention to what the staff is saying," said Carey, who is also a member of HAWC's subcommittee on diversity. "It's reflecting what's really happening out there."

Cheryl Watson, chief of victim/witness services for Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett, estimated that 50 percent of cases her office deals with involve domestic violence.

"HAWC plays a critical role in doing that work," said Watson. "HAWC has always been a leader in providing victim services and being innovative in their approach."

Watson approved of the name change. "It's more inclusive and makes a lot of sense, particularly with more awareness today. I think it's a great thing."

National statistics indicate that 85 percent of those who call for help are female and 15 percent male, Waldron said, and HAWC's numbers are probably even more overwhelmingly female, about 90 percent.

"Men who are in abusive relationships will frequently say that there's more emotional abuse, and it might be a little more subtle, whereas women are more apt to experience abuse that's more life-threatening, physically," Waldron said. "We see emotional abuse as just as damaging, if not more so, than physical abuse."

With the announcement of the name change, which begins this week, the organization also is sponsoring a logo contest. Entries will be displayed at the Walk for HAWC fund-raiser scheduled for April 26 in Salem. The event attracts approximately 1,000 walkers each year, and this year's goal is $200,000.

For more on the logo contest and the walk, go to www.hawcdv.org.