Massachusetts

After 2 Recent Murders, Advocates Push to Prevent Domestic Violence in LGBTQ Community

The deaths of Jose Aponte in Boston and Ryan Charles Anderson in Millbury have led organizations to call for more resources to help curb domestic violence among LGBTQ people in Massachusetts

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Two murders in the last three months have advocates in Massachusetts pushing for more resources to prevent domestic violence within the LGBTQ+ community.

Organizations representing survivors of domestic violence are putting the spotlight on the issue in light of recent homicides in Boston and Millbury.

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Jose Aponte was found dead in his apartment in Boston in early December. His boyfriend, Michael Perry, who police said tried to escape out of a window on the 12th floor, is now charged with his murder.

Aponte's friend, Jarvid Cortes, said had he had no idea Aponte was suffering.

"I kept thinking, 'Why did he not reach out?' It breaks my heart that somebody would suffer in silence," Cortes said.

Cortes wrote a letter about domestic violence within the LGBTQ+ community that he ended up reading at Aponte's funeral. He encouraged anyone else who is a victim to come forward.

"No one should have to endure abuse or violence in their relationship," Cortes said.

Aponte is the second victim of homicide within the LGBTQ+ community in Massachusetts in a matter of months. Back in October, police said Ryan Charles Anderson of Millbury was stabbed to death by his boyfriend, Kevin Donnellan.

The incidents have advocates sounding the alarm.

"It signals to us how much work still needs to be done and how little partner abuse is understood within our community," Beth Leventhal of The Network/La Red said.

Leventhal started her organization, which works to end partner abuse, shortly after her own experience. She said more support groups need to mention the LGBTQ+ community specifically in their outreach and materials. Many still screen based on gender.

"What does that say to someone who is being battered by another woman? What does that say to a man who is being battered by another man? What does that say to people whose gender does not fit within that binary? It is essential to have services, outreach and materials that mention us, otherwise we're going to assume we're not welcome," Leventhal said.

Leventhal encouraged those who need support to call The Network/La Red's 24-hour hotline at 617-742-4911.

"I just want people to know there is help out there," Cortes said.

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