Ropes & Gray Partner Diane Patrick Recognized for Support of Sexual and Domestic Violence Survivors

On May 8, Jane Doe Inc. recognized the contributions of Ropes & Gray labor & employment partner Diane Patrick (Boston) by presenting her with the 2014 Kelly Timilty Advocate for Justice Award. The honor is provided to individuals who have made a commitment to promoting safety, healing and justice for all victims of sexual and domestic violence.

Jane Doe Inc. recognized Patrick for her work as an “outstanding advocate” in statewide efforts to eliminate sexual and domestic violence, highlighting Patrick’s efforts to travel throughout Massachusetts, meet with survivors and promote a message of hope and prevention.

“By choosing to share her personal experience as a survivor, Diane changed the world for survivors everywhere,” said Suzanne C. Dubus, Jane Doe Inc. board president and CEO of Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center. “Seeing a strong, competent, articulate woman stand up and talk about her experience gives hope to survivors and all of us that violence can be overcome. As a former board member of Jane Doe Inc. and frequent guest speaker, Diane became an advocate whose courage inspires us all.”

Based in Boston, Jane Doe Inc. is the only sexual and domestic violence statewide, non-profit, advocacy, membership organization in Massachusetts. The coalition provides expert support and resources to 60 community-based sexual assault and domestic violence member programs.

“The efforts of Jane Doe Inc. are important in helping break the cycle of sexual and domestic violence,” Patrick said. “If we can help just one person stay alive, one child not witness abuse, or one abuser change his or her ways, we will have done a great amount of good.”

The video of Diane Patrick’s acceptance speech is available here.