Jane Doe presents the Office of Economic Empowerment and Rachael Rollins with Annual Award at the Spring into Action Breakfast

Pictured Left to Right: Maria Harris, Spring Into Action Co-Chair and Chief Human Resources Officer at Rockland Trust; US Attorney Massachusetts Rachael Rollins; Alayna Van Tassel, Deputy Treasurer and Executive Director, Office of Economic Empowerment/MA Treasurer's Office; Denella Clark, Spring Into Action Co-Chair and Philanthropist and Author; Debra Robbin, Executive Director, Jane Doe Inc.; Deb Collins-Gousby, JDI Board President and COO of Brookview House

BOSTON – This week, the State Treasurer’s Office of Economic Empowerment (OEE) accepted Jane Doe Inc.’s 2022 Justice in Action Award. Each year, Jane Doe Inc. (JDI) awards people and organizations in Massachusetts working to prevent and end sexual and domestic violence. OEE was joined by U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins who was also awarded the 2022 Justice in Action Award for her steadfast commitment to building safer and healthier communities. The Office of Economic Empowerment has partnered with JDI since 2019 to develop necessary training and resources to support domestic and sexual violence survivors and increase awareness around financial abuse.

This partnership has engaged employees at Citizens, M&T Bank (formerly People’s United Bank), and the Massachusetts State Treasurer’s office. During workshops and mentorship training, participants are given information on identifying customers who may be experiencing some form of financial abuse. Experts from JDI then provide resources and actions that workers can use to provide appropriate and quick support to customers.

“Through our partnership with Jane Doe, we have been able to support and empower victims of domestic and sexual violence with financial resources and education,” said State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg. “We are honored to receive this recognition and are committed to continuing this important program that contributes to healing and independence for survivors.”

Debra J. Robbin, JDI’s Executive Director, said, “Addressing financial abuse and the economic impact of sexual and domestic violence can open opportunities for freedom from violence and stability for those who experience abuse. Massachusetts is fortunate to have such incredible leadership and innovative approaches in places such as the Treasurer’s Office to help unlock resources, bring attention to these issues, and reimagine the ways the financial and banking industry and government can support survivors.”

Organizations interested in learning more about financial empowerment work offered by the Office of Economic Empowerment are encouraged to email empowerment@tre.state.ma.us.

About the Office of Economic Empowerment

Treasurer Goldberg created the Office of Economic Empowerment (OEE) with the goal of increasing financial stability for everyone in Massachusetts. The office works to promote programs that serve women, families, high school students, Veterans, and seniors. Its initiatives focus on closing the race and gender wage gap, racial equity, increasing access to financial education, improving college affordability, and investing in STEM careers and education.

Jane Doe Inc.

JDI (also known as Jane Doe Inc., The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence) is the only statewide membership and advocacy coalition in Massachusetts dedicated to addressing sexual and domestic violence. We aim to support survivors and end violence by promoting gender equity, racial justice, and safety for everyone.  JDI’s mission is to complement and support the expertise and leadership of the coalition’s 60 community-based member organizations with a statewide strategy involving public and private partners to tackle systemic issues that foster and perpetuate violence, to create policies and explore innovative solutions that improve the lives of survivors, and to prevent gender-based violence.

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