Anti-abuse group to cut off services

LYNN – Organizers of a 10-year-old domestic violence prevention group serving Lynn and other communities claims state spending cuts could leave 202 clients without housing, legal aid, counseling or emergency shelter.Portal to Hope representatives said spending discussions by state legislators and Gov. Deval Patrick to date have not included a commitment to provide $150,000 for the organization. Portal plans to cut off services to Lynn, Winthrop and Malden clients beginning Sunday in anticipation of not receiving the money by June 30 when the state fiscal year ends.Portal has helped abuse victims in Malden, Revere and Lynn, where founder Deborah Fallon started the organization after ending an abusive relationship.Portal to Hope helps women find emergency shelter if they have lost their home due to abuse. Portal volunteers counsel women and work with them to make sure their legal rights as abuse victims are upheld in court.Portal has launched a group for women ages 15 to 18 years old to discuss dating and family violence. The group focuses on building self-esteem and developing public speaking skills so that the teenagers can help other abuse victims.Fallon and other organizers credited state Sen. Anthony Galluccio with working to include money for the organization in the state Senate budget.”We are alarmed that the Commonwealth, so far, does not consider $150,000 in Portal to be a good investment: That is $150,000 to keep safe victims in Everett, Lynn, Malden, Medford, Winthrop and neighboring Massachusetts communities. We are deeply concerned that we will be forced to turn away not only our existing clients,” Portal to Hope Deputy Director Nita Yung wrote in a letter sent to organization supporters this week.