DA Rollins Releases Updated Guide for Homicide Survivors
BOSTON, December 20, 2021— As Survivors of Homicide Awareness Month comes to a close, District Attorney Rachael Rollins today released an updated Survivors of Homicide Victims Resource Manual designed to ensure that those who have lost loved ones to violence have access to vital information and resources.
“Serving survivors is central to the work of the office I lead, not just during Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month, but always. We honor those who have been stolen and support the loved ones left behind at every step of their long journey toward accountability and healing,” District Attorney Rollins said. “In the wake of their loved one’s violent death, homicide survivors encounter prosecutors, victim witness advocates, police detectives and service providers – all of whom offer vital information to survivors as they are reeling and experiencing profound trauma and grief. This newly updated manual is a tool that survivors can use and refer to on their schedule to ensure they always have information and access to the services and resources they are entitled to and may require.”
The manual was first drafted in 2003 under the leadership of former Chief of SCDAO’s Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) Kara Hayes. Hayes is a valuable partner in this space and currently serves with distinction as the office’s Director of Restorative Justice Practices and LGBTQIA+ Liaison. The manual continues to be a valuable resource, with details on service providers, contact information for involved agencies and the team assigned to their loved one’s case, other guidance and helpful information.
Current VWAP Chief Charlene Luma led the effort to update the manual. The new edition now includes information for survivors of individuals who die during encounters with members of law enforcement. It also provides information on the Project for Unsolved Suffolk Homicides (PUSH), an initiative launched by District Attorney Rollins to review unsolved homicide case files with fresh eyes. Since the inception of PUSH, SCDAO staff have reviewed approximately 200 case files and the office has secured indictments against three individuals in unsolved homicides that occurred in the 1980s and 1990s.
The previous manual was only available in English. Now, the updated manual will also be available in Spanish, Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, Chinese and Vietnamese. This will ensure that more Suffolk County families that unfortunately experience the tragedy of a homicide will have equal access to information and resources. In addition, under the Rollins Administration and the excellent management of Luma, approximately 50 percent of the outstanding VWAP staff speak at least one language in addition to English.
As part of her office’s recognition of homicide survivors, District Attorney Rollins earlier this month hosted the SCDAO’s 11th annual Survivors of Homicide Breakfast. The event is held each year during Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month, which runs from November 20 to December 20. This marked District Attorney Rollins’ third year hosting the event and the second year that the breakfast was forced to be held remotely due to the pandemic. District Attorney Rollins and members of her office were joined on the virtual event by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who spoke during the ceremony; incoming Boston City Council President Ed Flynn; Boston City Councilors Michael Flaherty and Kenzie Bok; Senator Sal DiDomenico; as well as numerous members of law enforcement, community partners and service providers. During the event, District Attorney Rollins honored three survivors of homicide who have turned their profound grief into action serving fellow survivors and their communities. This year’s honorees were Beverly Parham-Jordan, Debra Johnson and Ruth Rollins. This year marked the first time any awards were presented during the event.
“The holidays can be one of the most difficult times of the year for survivors of homicide. It’s important that we remember those stolen by violence and their loved ones left behind to pick up the pieces. It is important that we honor victims and survivors,” District Attorney Rollins said. “No matter my title, I will always stand beside those who have lost loved ones to violence and ensure that they have the support and resources that they are entitled to and often desperately need. I’m grateful to our partners in law enforcement – especially the Boston Police Department Homicide Unit and the Suffolk County State Police Detective Unit – for their tireless and diligent work supporting survivors and holding accountable violent individuals that harm and have taken a life.”
During 2021, the City of Boston has experienced a decrease in serious and violent crime, including a large drop in homicides. To date, there have been 43 murders in Boston during 2021 – notably lower than the five-year average of 51 murders a year. These reductions are a testament to the strong partnerships between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
“But one homicide is too many,” District Attorney Rollins said. “These numbers are in no way meant to minimize the trauma and harm survivors of homicide endure. Rather, we strive to continue disrupting violence – with The Crime Strategies Bureau – instilling hope – with PUSH and the indictments we have secured – and offering transparency – with the first-in-the-nation Discharge Integrity Team.”
Tragically, this year Suffolk County has also experienced 37 motor vehicle homicides; the hate-fueled double homicide of Staff Sgt. Ramona Cooper and retired State Trooper David L. Green in Winthrop; and three murders in Chelsea, including the domestic violence murder of Paula Andrea Ortiz Ramirez whose estranged husband is expected to be arraigned tomorrow on a murder charge in his hospital bed at a local hospital, the beating death of Geraldo Mendoza Bonilla and the fatal stabbing of Cyndell Rodriguez.
Homicide and acts of violence deeply impact entire communities. The Boston Public Health Commission’s Boston Neighborhood Trauma Team (NTT) provides access to support through its 24/7 hotline by calling 617-431-0125. The NTT offers immediate support services to those impacted by community violence, referrals for behavioral health services, community outreach and healing groups and a variety of other services.
Survivors of homicide victims who would like to speak with a member of our office to learn more about available resources or for information on their loved one’s case should call the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office Homicide Unit at 617-619-4240.
Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.