To the editor:
Why do I choose Andrea Harrington for district attorney?
As a teen, there was a dark period in my life where I was subject to sexual and physical violence. During that time and for many years after, I was left broken and confused. I struggled with depression and anxiety, even having thoughts of suicide. It was not an easy path to follow.
Unfortunately, my story is not all that unique. Nationally, more than one in three women have experienced sexual violence, physical abuse and/or stalking in their lifetimes. And in the Berkshires, it is no different. The Elizabeth Freeman Center serves around 3,000 victims of sexual and physical abuse each year. Our per capita restraining orders are 37 percent higher than the state average, and approximately one in three homicides are domestic violence homicides.
We need to do better.
Andrea Harrington will prioritize and aggressively prosecute dangerous offenders of sexual and domestic violence, as well as offer counseling for victims during and after the legal process. A DA’s office led by Andrea Harrington will be survivor-centered and trauma-informed. With education, advocacy and community outreach, we can reduce domestic and sexual violence in the Berkshires, but we need the right district attorney to help get us there.
As a survivor, I am asking you to join me in voting for Andrea Harrington on Sept. 4.
Helen Moon
Pittsfield
The writer is a Pittsfield City Councilor.
