Portal of Hope to honor survivors, supporters

LYNN – A domestic violence prevention organization started in Lynn and expanded to Malden more than 10 years ago takes time Sunday to honor violence survivors and people who support Portal of Hope’s work.The 10:30 a.m. brunch in Malden’s Irish American Hall on West Street includes recognition of anti-domestic violence work undertaken by state Sens. Richard Tisei, Anthony Galluccio and Anthony Petruccelli and state Reps. Mark Falzone and Robert DeLeo.Malden, Lynn and other legislators worked two years ago to increase funding to restore services offered by Portal and other domestic violence prevention groups.Sunday’s appreciation also honors police chiefs and officers who work with and help domestic violence victims.Lynn police officers played a key role in Portal’s founding. Deborah Fallon, one of the group’s original organizers, formed Portal after escaping an abusive relationship with the help of Lynn police officers.Working with other abuse survivors, Fallon offered support to domestic violence victims within hours after they fled an abusive relationship.Portal’s initial work at police stations led to the formation of support groups in October 1996 in Malden, where Fallon has strong family ties, and Lynn where Portal workers received help from St. Mary’s parish.Today, Portal reaches out to domestic violence victims in Lynn, Revere, Everett, Malden and Medford to provide legal aid, job placement assistance and short-term emergency shelter.Portal also runs a support group for young women 15 to 18 years old focusing on dating violence.