Reading Police Department Raises Awareness for Domestic Violence Through Annual Patch Fundraiser

READING — The Reading Police Department is once again participating in the Domestic Violence Awareness patch fundraiser in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, recognized each October, aims to raise awareness for domestic abuse and help victims receive proper support. In partnership with the Domestic Violence Awareness Project (DVAP), the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month theme for 2025 is ‘With Survivors, Always.’

Purple domestic violence awareness patches will be available for $10 to members of the public. All proceeds will go to RESPOND Inc., a domestic violence prevention agency based in Somerville. 

RESPOND Inc. works directly with the Reading Police Department through its liaison, Tara McElroy, who helps coordinate follow-up care for survivors and victims of domestic violence in the Reading community. Through this partnership, McElroy helps connect Reading residents with resources, victim advocacy and additional support services when needed. This collaboration helps ensure that individuals affected by domestic violence have access to assistance beyond their initial interaction with law enforcement.

By purchasing a commemorative patch, community members can help support RESPOND’s work and the ongoing efforts to provide care, advocacy and resources to local survivors. The fundraiser offers Reading residents an opportunity to contribute to services that make a direct difference in their community.

To purchase a commemorative patch, checks may be made out to RESPOND Inc. and sent to the Reading Police Department, 15 Union St., Reading, MA
01867 (attn: Community Service Officer DaLonn Pearson). Those requesting patches should also include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. 

For questions about how to purchase a patch, contact Officer DaLonn Pearson at dapearson@readingma.gov 

About RESPOND Inc.
RESPOND Inc. is New England’s first domestic violence prevention agency and the second in the nation. For over 45 years, RESPOND has provided life-saving shelter, a crisis hotline, support services, training, and education to more than 100,000 members of the community. Their services are free, confidential, and available to all survivors of domestic abuse, regardless of age or gender. 

For more information about RESPOND, click here.

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