
Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts
27 School Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02108
Ph: 617.973.6666 Fax: 617.973.6663 www.womensbar.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Kara DelTufo Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts
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Patricia Comfort, Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts (617) 973-6666 |
WBA COMMENDS THE MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR PASSING COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
BOSTON, MA -April 8, 2014 - The Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts (WBA) today commends the Massachusetts House of Representatives for passing H 4037, An Act Enhancing Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence. The comprehensive bill, which was unveiled byHouse Speaker Robert DeLeo and Attorney General Martha Coakley last week, establishes new criminal offenses related to domestic violence, creates new legal protections for victims and imposes training requirements for judges and court personnel.
The recent murder of Jennifer Martel, a Waltham mother allegedly stabbed by her boyfriend, prompted both the House and Senate to swiftly act to strengthen domestic violence laws. The Massachusetts Senate passed their version of the bill, S1897, in October 2013.
About the Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts
Founded in 1978 by a group of activist women lawyers, the Women’s Bar Association boasts a vast membership of accomplished women lawyers, judges, and law students across Massachusetts. The WBA is committed to the full and equal participation of women in the legal profession and in a just society. The WBA works to achieve this mission through committees and taskforces and by developing and promoting a legislative agenda to address society’s most critical social and legal issues. Other WBA activities include drafting amicus briefs, studying employment issues affecting women, encouraging women to enter the judiciary, recognizing the achievement of women in the law, and providing pro bono services to women in need through supporting its charitable sister organization, the Women’s Bar Foundation. For more information, visit www.womensbar.org.