There is a profound difference between having a safe place to stay and having a home. At The Second Step, we stand with survivors, helping to carve their path toward a life free from abuse. But if you’ve ever moved, you know that having a floor, roof, and four walls is only the beginning. A […]
In a recent news story about an alleged domestic violence assault, one detail has stayed with me. According to reporting, a woman arrived at an urgent care center with injuries that were serious enough to require transfer to a hospital emergency department. Recognizing the patient needed a higher level of care, staff offered to arrange […]
Off Campus is an American television show based on the popular novel series of the same name written by Elle Kennedy. The show follows Hannah Wells, a music student at Briar University, and Garrett Graham, a student athlete who plays on the men’s hockey team and is a top NHL prospect for the Boston Bruins. To get the attention of her crush, Hannah begins a […]
June is Men’s Health Month, a time to encourage men to prioritize their physical and mental wellbeing, seek preventive healthcare, and build healthier lives. It is also an opportunity to talk about something that is too often left out of conversations about men’s health: healthy relationships. Domestic violence is frequently viewed as a women’s issue […]
By Heather Mack, Board Chair As I head to the end of my second year as Chair of The Second Step board, I have been thinking a lot about how my journey with the agency started. Many years ago, I had an unexpected (and frankly shocking to me at the time) experience when a close friend—someone I saw daily and was very […]
May is Women’s Health Month, a time to recognize the many factors that shape women’s wellbeing, safety, and ability to thrive. While conversations about women’s health often focus on physical health or reproductive care, one of the most significant threats to women’s health remains too often overlooked: domestic violence. Domestic violence is not only a […]
At The Second Step, we know that survivors do not avoid legal help because they do not need it. They often avoid it because the system feels unsafe, overwhelming, or shaming. Accessing the legal system requires courage. It also requires trust. For many survivors of domestic violence, that trust has been eroded, not only by […]
This year’s Celebrating Success gala took place at Brae Burn Country Club on May 7th, 2026. Two of our staff attorneys, Jordan and Jessica, each shared why this work is important to them. We’re excited to be able to share their remarks with you. Note: Jessica could not attend Celebrating Success live, so Emcee Joyce […]
In recent weeks, several high-profile domestic violence homicides have made national headlines, cases connected to public figures and, closer to home, the devastating killing of Emma Pasterczyk in Amherst and two children in Wellesley. These stories are shocking. They capture our attention. They raise urgent questions. But they are not the full picture. Every day, […]
By Sue Ross, CEO of The Second Step I just finished reading Without Consent, a book recommended to me by a friend and colleague. The timing felt especially significant, as April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual […]