Press Release: 6/13/2025

Hundreds Join Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Inaugural Victim Services Conference

 



Event Highlighted Survivor Voices, Multi-Agency Collaboration and a Statewide Commitment to Victim-Centered Justice 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



6/12/2025



MEDIA CONTACT



Brenna Galvin, Deputy Director of Communications



 Phone



Call Brenna Galvin, Deputy Director of Communications at 857-262-6581



 Online



Email Brenna Galvin, Deputy Director of Communications at Brenna.e.galvin@Mass.gov





NORWOOD — On Tuesday, the Healey-Driscoll Administration hosted its inaugural Victim Services Conference, convening more than 320 participants, including survivors, law enforcement professionals, prosecutors, service providers, advocates and public safety leaders. Hosted by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) and the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA), the conference marked a renewed chapter in Massachusetts’ ongoing dedication to supporting individuals impacted by crime and violence.



With the theme Empowering Survivors Through Compassion, Collaboration, and Commitment, the one-day event provided a powerful forum for elevating survivor voices, exploring trauma-informed practices, and strengthening the network of support services for those impacted by crime.



“This powerful gathering reflected our Administration’s deep commitment to centering victims’ voices in all aspects of public safety and strengthening systems of care and healing,” said Governor Maura Healey. “As former Attorney General and now Governor, I know how critical it is to continue to support victims and survivors. We designed this conference to spark conversations, elevate survivor voices and strengthen the work ahead. This is just the beginning.”



“The Victim Services Conference reflects our dedication to supporting those whose lives have been affected by crime,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Yesterday’s event was a powerful reminder that real progress comes from listening to survivors and addressing their needs with empathy and urgency. We are proud to have brought so many people together to strengthen the partnerships and systems that empower healing and help individuals recover and rebuild their lives.”



“As a former prosecutor, I know firsthand the importance of centering victims’ rights in every aspect of our work,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to every survivor who shared their story. I’m especially grateful to the Ritzer family, whose courage and advocacy carry forward Colleen’s legacy and deepen our collective resolve. At EOPSS, victims’ rights remain at the forefront of everything we do as we continue to build strong systems of support.”



The conference featured remarks from Governor Healey and a poignant tribute from the Ritzer family. The program included a presentation from Fanta Atkinson, Director of the Center for Homicide Bereavement, powerful survivor panels, and multiple breakout sessions exploring topics such as post-disposition services, victim-centered restorative justice, and the role of trained facility dogs in trauma recovery.



Highlights included:




  • Survivor Voices Panel: Survivors, including Clementina Chery, Ruth Rollins and Liam Lowney, shared personal experiences navigating the legal system and highlighted areas for improvement.

  • Breakout Sessions: Topics included discussions about post-release victim services programs and how trained dogs assist victims within the criminal justice system and community. Other sessions included presentations about the work of the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, efforts to combat human trafficking, and victim-centered Restorative Justice. 

  • Afternoon Panels: Sessions featured coordinated strategies to support victims’ post-conviction across the Massachusetts Department of Correction, the Massachusetts Parole Board and District Attorney’s Office. Panelists Nichole Anderson and Robin Farnsworth brought powerful survivor perspectives to the discussion.



This event was made possible through the strong partnership of dedicated individuals and organizations from across Massachusetts. We extend our appreciation to state agencies including the Massachusetts Department of Correction, Massachusetts State Police, State Parole Board, Sex Offender Registry Board, Massachusetts Department of Probation, Department of Youth Services, and the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS). We also thank the Attorney General’s Office, County Sheriffs, and District Attorneys, including Essex DA Paul Tucker, Hampden DA Anthony Gulluni, Middlesex DA Marian Ryan, and Suffolk DA Kevin Hayden.



In addition, event co-hosts EOPSS and MOVA extend their appreciation to Canine Companions for Independence, the Millbury and Lunenberg Police Departments, Bristol County Child Advocacy Center, and the Wayside Youth and Family Support Network. 



“Empowering survivor voices and advocating for their rights is at the core of MOVA’s mission,” said MOVA Executive Director Liam Lowney. “In order to ensure systems and services that meet their needs, it is critical to hear directly from them.  Tuesday’s conference was an important opportunity to hear their inspiring and thoughtful stories.”



This inaugural victim services educational forum builds on EOPSS’s comprehensive, victim-centered approach to public safety. Across its agencies, EOPSS is advancing programs that support healing, enhance access to justice, and drive systemic improvement. 



Notable initiatives include:




  • Victim Services Units at the Department of Correction, Parole Board, DCJIS, and SORB, supporting thousands annually with notifications, safety planning, and restorative justice options.

  • The Victim Notification Registry, serving over 2,700 individuals with real-time updates and case tracking.

  • Track-Kit, a confidential online tool allowing survivors to follow the status of sexual assault evidence kits.

  • Nation-leading Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit (SAECK) testing by the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab, completing testing within 30 days, the fastest mandated turnaround time in the country.

  • Statewide trauma-informed law enforcement training for recruits and veteran officers through the Municipal Police Training Committee.

  • Millions in grant funding administered through the Office of Grants and Research to address domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and related crimes.

  • A forthcoming centralized online resource hub to streamline survivors’ access to services and information.



Through these efforts, EOPSS reaffirms its leadership in fostering knowledge-sharing, strengthening collaboration, and centering the needs of survivors in the Commonwealth’s public safety strategy.