BOSTON – During Victim Rights Month in April, Attorney General Martha Coakley, the Victim Witness Assistance Board, and the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) recognize individuals and organizations that made advancements in victim rights and services in the state.
Gail Bobin of Hilltown Safety at Home received this year’s “Access to Justice” award for connecting domestic violence victims with needed services and resources in the hilltown communities of western Massachusetts.
Bobin has been working in the domestic violence field since 1993 and has been an advocate with Hilltown Safety at Home since 2007. In her role, she works closely with the state police to provide domestic violence victims with an array of services including home visits and sometimes transportation services. Her efforts enable victims in rural areas who often face accessibility issues the opportunity to access services despite those challenges.
“In her long and dedicated history of victim assistance Gail has consistently thought outside the box when it comes to helping those most in need,” Coakley said. “For the last 20 years Gail has provided crucial services to people in rural areas who otherwise could not receive them. We’re lucky to have Gail and we’re honored to recognize her tremendous work with this award.”
“Gail is an exceptional candidate to receive this award for her efforts to provide domestic violence survivors the supports they need for help,” said Liam Lowney, MOVA’s Executive Director. “Victims living in relatively isolated rural communities, like the Hilltown area, face unique challenges in accessing services. Gail brings these critical services to them which has made a positive impact in that area.”
For further information on Hilltown Safety at Home, please call (413) 559-8039. To learn more about Victim Rights Month events and this year’s award recipients, please visit MOVA’s website at www.mass.gov/mova or call (617) 586-1340.
