FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 23, 2024
At last Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Vice Chairman and Councilor-at-Large, Khrystian King, said that two truths can be true. We agree. The DOJ report accurately reflects the lived experiences we have heard from survivors in this community. This is not the first time women in Worcester have attempted to express their experiences of violence and sexual assault to city leadership or the WPD. This does not mean that we believe that every member of the WPD is bad, or has committed a criminal offense.
We strongly believe that any criminal behavior brought to the attention of law enforcement should be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. And that the same penalty faced by others in our community for committing such acts would be faced by every community member, regardless of their occupation.
We stand firmly on the side of justice for survivors, and we want to express our concern for some of the public demands made by others who also do so. More resources are needed to support Worcester’s most vulnerable populations, specifically women involved in the sex trade – many of whom are experiencing homelessness, chronic illnesses, and untreated mental health conditions.
We encourage community members of all ranks and power, including city leadership and the media, to approach the findings in this report, and the voices they choose to amplify, with curiosity. The investigation, the dedication of those working with vulnerable members of the community, and those advocating for change should be in agreement that safety is a primary driver behind any and every action taken.
We want to again state our sincere hope that the City of Worcester, the City Manager, and City Council take this report seriously and respond appropriately. The DOJ recommendations for improvements are straightforward, with the majority focusing on instituting policies, procedures, and training for officers and supervisors across all units and ranks. Continued professional development is a requirement for many occupations, especially those that involve carrying a license, which makes the intense and misplaced push back against the DOJ by the WPD that much more puzzling. The remedial recommendations are run-of-the-mill expectations of most professionals across a variety of occupations.
There was a lot of emotion, anger, and confrontation at last week’s City Council meeting from all sides. However, after over 3 hours of public comment, very few speakers actually addressed the report in a serious manner, and even fewer had legitimate commentary on how to effect real change for those impacted by the patterns and practices of the WPD evidenced in the report. We must do better.
What was evident is a deep misunderstanding, willful or otherwise, by a majority of the community as to the type of investigation the DOJ conducted, the sources of evidence used to substantiate the report, its determinations and recommendations, and who the victims are. This confusion has been further perpetuated by some of the inaccurate and purposefully inflammatory media coverage of the report and the community response, including that of the City of Worcester itself.
The entire community has access to the full report issued by the DOJ, which contains citations and examples of the behaviors of some WPD officers that led to the findings as they were issued. Calls for the release of the “full report” are misguided as the full report was released on Monday, December 9th, and is the one and only report.
Calling for the release of the names of the individuals who participated in DOJ interviews and other sources of evidence of sexual misconduct by some WPD officers is deeply disturbing. Why? What would be done with that information? Why is there no call for the release of the names of the officers accused of such abhorrent behavior? We believe in the importance of self-reflection and approaching situations with an open mind, especially when we lack personal knowledge about what truly happened. Demanding the release of names of victims of sexual assault feels like a threat, not a solution.
The report is disturbing. It lays bare disturbing behaviors, with their prevalence rising to the level of a determination by the DOJ of patterns and practices in violation of the constitutional rights of members of the community, including anyone reading this statement. The victims of this report are not the WPD, but your neighbors. The WPD and its officers hold positions of power which should be honored by integrity and a commitment to safety of all community members regardless of their privileges, vulnerabilities, age, race, or gender identity.
Violent behavior of some police officers puts all police officers at risk. Denying police misconduct does nothing for anyone. It does not protect police, it does not protect the public, it does not make the community safer, or the system more just. It does nothing. Doing nothing is unacceptable.
Our mission at Safe Exit Initiative (SEI) is to create safe and sustainable exits from exploitation and the sex trade through quality programming, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive legislative initiatives. Members of our team have been providing direct services to individuals in the sex trade in Worcester for over a decade.
We want to move forward. Regardless of any findings or response to such, we get up each and every day to do the work we have committed to providing in this community. We will continue to do so.
To be clear, we are not interested in pageantry, superficial conversations, or performative outrage, nor are we asking for a handout. We are asking for change, and offering to be part of it. We hope the City Manager, WPD, and the City Council will take us up on it.
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For more information about Safe Exit Initiative and its work, please visit https://safeexitinitiative.org.
Media Contact:
Kyla Pacheco
Director of Marketing and Development
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2024
Worcester, MA — Safe Exit Initiative, Inc. (SEI) is shocked, but not surprised by the findings outlined in the report by the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts on its investigation into patterns and practices of the Worcester Police Department (WPD) that violate the constitutional rights of the citizens they are sworn to protect.
The most disturbing findings involve sexual misconduct on the part of WPD officers, including their use of sex as a weapon and as a means of investigation and arrest. These actions targeted women involved in the sex trade—a misdemeanor crime that the Worcester County District Attorney stopped prosecuting in 2018—many of whom are experiencing homelessness, chronic illnesses, and untreated mental health conditions.
Equally disturbing was the discovery that the WPD has no policies, procedures, or trainings for conducting investigations into reports of sexual assault. This lack of rudimentary investigative standards has created a subpar model of policing in the City of Worcester, failing to protect its community members and to hold violent criminals accountable for their crimes.
These findings reveal patterns and practices that exploit, abuse, and prey on vulnerable populations in our city, while simultaneously failing to protect the broader community.
“Reading this report in light of the comments made by attorney Brian T. Kelly in the Telegram & Gazette article released yesterday morning was especially disheartening”, said SEI co-Executive Director and attorney Courtney Ross Escobar. “These findings were based on the review of WPD’s own documents and data, as well as numerous interviews with community members and stakeholders. To dismiss this report as rushed or ‘riddled with factual inaccuracies’ as attorney Kelly does, is irrational at best.”
Though the findings are deeply troubling, SEI echoes the support of the DOJ and United States Attorney Josh Levy for Interim Chief of Police Paul B. Saucier. Attorney Levy applauded the efforts of Chief Saucier and his efforts to improve the department, calling him a “good partner for sustainable reform”.
“SEI has seen improvements in policing efforts since Chief Saucier’s appointment. SEI and Chief Saucier have been able to build a relationship based on transparency and support”, said Audra Doody, co-Executive Director & Chief Programs Officer at SEI. “These findings are worrisome, but the work already done by Chief Saucier is promising. We are committed to supporting the development and implementation of the remedies recommended by the DOJ wherever SEI can be useful.”
It is SEI’s sincere hope that the City of Worcester, the City Manager, and City Council take this report seriously and respond appropriately. The DOJ recommendations for improvements are straightforward, with the majority focusing on instituting policies, procedures, and training for officers and supervisors across all units and ranks.
“Meaningful change can be achieved relatively quickly and inexpensively if all parties involved are committed to it,” said Audra Doody. “Most importantly, these changes will benefit both the WPD and the community. It seems like a win-win to us.”
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About Safe Exit Initiative
Safe Exit Initiative (SEI) is a survivor-led nonprofit organization based in Worcester, Massachusetts with a mission to support individuals with living and lived experience in the sex trade through quality programming, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive legislative initiatives.
For more information about Safe Exit Initiative and its work, please visit https://safeexitinitiative.org.
Media Contact:
Kyla Pacheco
Director of Marketing & Development
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2024
Worcester, MA — The Safe Exit Initiative (SEI) proudly hosted the grand reopening of Harbor, a newly renovated community-based resource center and day shelter, on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. The event was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by local government officials, community leaders, and members of the public, all coming together to celebrate the enhanced services and expanded capacity of the facility.
Harbor, operated by SEI, has been a crucial resource for individuals with lived or living experience in the sex trade seeking assistance in Worcester. The renovations have transformed the first floor of the facility, making it more accessible and better equipped to meet the needs of the community. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the upgraded space, which now includes a fully functional kitchen, a donation closet, and newly designed areas to facilitate the delivery of essential services.
“It has taken a lot of hard work to get here today, and we want to thank our SEI staff and our supporters for their dedication.”, said Audra Doody, co-Executive Director & Chief Programs Officer. “The renovations to create the Drop-In Space on the first floor and administrative offices on the second floor, putting both departments under one roof, has been a goal of ours since 2019.”
The event featured remarks from SEI leadership, including co-Executive Directors Audra Doody and Courtney Ross Escobar, alongside Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, City Councilor District 4 Luis A. Ojeda, State Representative David LeBoeuf, State Representative Mary Keefe, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr., Worcester County Sheriff Lewis Evangelidis, State Senator Robyn Kennedy, and President/CEO of the Worcester Chamber, Tim Murray.
“SEI has been quietly reorganizing, rebuilding, and rebranding over the past several months.”, said Courtney Ross Escobar, co-Executive Director & Chief Operations Officer. “We are excited to share what we’ve been working on with our community today and in the coming months!”
Harbor’s services include access to harm reduction and hygiene supplies, support groups, food, clothing, and both medical and legal services. The center also operates a mobile outreach van, which extends these vital services into the community, ensuring that help is available to those who need it most.
The Safe Exit Initiative would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the event and to the many partners and stakeholders who made the renovation and reopening of Harbor possible.
# # #
About Safe Exit Initiative
Safe Exit Initiative (SEI) is a survivor-led nonprofit organization based in Worcester, Massachusetts with a mission to create safe and sustainable exits from exploitation and the sex trade through quality programming, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive legislative initiatives.
For more information about Safe Exit Initiative and its work, please visit https://safeexitinitiative.org.
Media Contact:
Kyla Pacheco
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2024
Worcester, MA — The Safe Exit Initiative (SEI) proudly hosted the grand reopening of Harbor, a newly renovated community-based resource center and day shelter, on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. The event was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by local government officials, community leaders, and members of the public, all coming together to celebrate the enhanced services and expanded capacity of the facility.
Harbor, operated by SEI, has been a crucial resource for individuals with lived or living experience in the sex trade seeking assistance in Worcester. The renovations have transformed the first floor of the facility, making it more accessible and better equipped to meet the needs of the community. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the upgraded space, which now includes a fully functional kitchen, a donation closet, and newly designed areas to facilitate the delivery of essential services.
“It has taken a lot of hard work to get here today, and we want to thank our SEI staff and our supporters for their dedication.”, said Audra Doody, co-Executive Director & Chief Programs Officer. “The renovations to create the Drop-In Space on the first floor and administrative offices on the second floor, putting both departments under one roof, has been a goal of ours since 2019.”
The event featured remarks from SEI leadership, including co-Executive Directors Audra Doody and Courtney Ross Escobar, alongside Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, City Councilor District 4 Luis A. Ojeda, State Representative David LeBoeuf, State Representative Mary Keefe, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr., Worcester County Sheriff Lewis Evangelidis, State Senator Robyn Kennedy, and President/CEO of the Worcester Chamber, Tim Murray.
“SEI has been quietly reorganizing, rebuilding, and rebranding over the past several months.”, said Courtney Ross Escobar, co-Executive Director & Chief Operations Officer. “We are excited to share what we’ve been working on with our community today and in the coming months!”
Harbor’s services include access to harm reduction and hygiene supplies, support groups, food, clothing, and both medical and legal services. The center also operates a mobile outreach van, which extends these vital services into the community, ensuring that help is available to those who need it most.
The Safe Exit Initiative would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the event and to the many partners and stakeholders who made the renovation and reopening of Harbor possible.
# # #
About Safe Exit Initiative
Safe Exit Initiative (SEI) is a survivor-led nonprofit organization based in Worcester, Massachusetts with a mission to create safe and sustainable exits from exploitation and the sex trade through quality programming, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive legislative initiatives.
For more information about Safe Exit Initiative and its work, please visit https://safeexitinitiative.org.
Media Contact:
Kyla Pacheco
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2024
Worcester, MA – The Safe Exit Initiative (SEI) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $300,000 grant from The Jensen Project. This generous funding will support SEI's pro bono legal clinic, The Advocacy Project, which is dedicated to assisting people with living or lived experience in the sex trade.
The Advocacy Project provides critical legal services to assist in overcoming the legal barriers that hinder their ability to achieve sustainable exits from exploitation. This funding from The Jensen Project is crucial in sustaining the program and ensuring that SEI can continue its mission of providing quality programming that is comprehensive and accessible for people in the sex trade.
"We are incredibly grateful to The Jensen Project for their commitment to our work," said Courtney Ross Escobar, Esq., co-Executive Director & Chief Operations Officer at SEI. "This grant will enable us to provide vital legal assistance to those who need it most, break cycles of exploitation, and rebuild lives."
The Jensen Project's support of The Advocacy Project underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the complex challenges faced by those involved in the sex trade.
# # #
About Safe Exit Initiative
Safe Exit Initiative (SEI) is a survivor-led nonprofit organization based in Worcester, Massachusetts with a mission to create safe and sustainable exits from exploitation and the sex trade through quality programming, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive legislative initiatives.
For more information about Safe Exit Initiative and its work, please visit https://safeexitinitiative.org.
Media Contact:
Kyla Pacheco
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2024
It has come to the attention of Safe Exit Initiative (SEI) that the EVA Center released a statement in response to the recent arrest of Michael Cox, and that the statements of the EVA Center are being conflated as representative of the EMMA Coalition and its members as a whole. This is not true. Though we cannot control the actions of the EVA Center or their leadership team, SEI is compelled to express our dismay at the insensitive tone, inflammatory remarks, and unreasonable calls to action contained in their statement.
SEI and the EVA Center belong to the EMMA Coalition, along with a number of other organizations in advocacy of legislation for partial decriminalization of prostitution. There is no other association between SEI and the EVA Center outside of this coalition. The opinions expressed by the EVA Center in their statement are not shared by SEI, nor do we condone its contents or share the perspectives expressed therein.
We believe progress is made when we focus on reaching common ground through working collaboratively, not through attacking one another or dismissing opposing points of view. SEI is committed to working together with state and local legislators and other stakeholders on initiatives that provide positive impacts across all the rich and diverse communities of the Commonwealth.
# # #
About Safe Exit Initiative
Safe Exit Initiative (SEI) is a survivor-led nonprofit organization based in Worcester, Massachusetts with a mission to create safe and sustainable exits from exploitation and the sex trade through quality programming, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive legislative initiatives.
For more information about Safe Exit Initiative and its work, please visit https://safeexitinitiative.org.
Media Contact:
Kyla Pacheco
WORCESTER, Mass., June 11, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Safe Exit Initiative (SEI), a survivor-led organization dedicated to safe and sustainable exits from the sex trade, has been awarded a prestigious opportunity to conduct two years of research into the relationship between casinos, casino resorts and sex trafficking in the Commonwealth.
The grant, provided by Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), recognizes survivors’ lived expertise and values their contributions to the Commonwealth’s understanding of the complex dynamics that underlie issues of human trafficking. SEI’s proposed study seeks to answer questions related to survivors’ experiences of sex trafficking in casinos and how casinos influence sex trafficking, as well as identifying services and supports that survivors of trafficking need, and ways casinos can be proactive in identifying and responding to sex trafficking on their premises and in their surrounding communities.
Safe Exit Initiative
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