Awareness, Support & Resources

This page is dedicated to Gabriella’s memory.

We share it not only to honor her life, but also to raise awareness about domestic abuse and to help others find support, information, and hope. Abuse often happens in silence. It can affect people of every age, culture, gender, and background, and it is not always visible to those on the outside.

By speaking openly and sharing resources, we hope to encourage understanding, connection, and action. If you or someone you love may be experiencing abuse, please know that help is available and you are not alone.

What Is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is not only physical violence. It can also include:

  • Emotional or psychological harm, manipulation, or intimidation

  • Verbal abuse, humiliation, or threats

  • Financial control or preventing independence

  • Isolation from friends, family, or support networks

  • Monitoring, stalking, or digital harassment

  • Sexual coercion or violence

Abuse often escalates over time, and leaving can be complicated and dangerous. No one deserves to live in fear. Everyone deserves safety, dignity, and respect.

If You Are in Immediate Danger

Call 911 or your local emergency number.

National Support (Available Anywhere in the U.S.)

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline
    Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
    Available 24/7 for confidential support, crisis intervention, and safety planning. (Massachusetts Government)

  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
    Call: 800-656-HOPE (4673) for survivors of sexual violence and related abuse. (Massachusetts Government)

South Florida Resources

Local crisis and referral lines are available across South Florida counties:

These services can help connect individuals with crisis counseling, shelters, and community-based assistance. (South Florida Psychiatry)

Massachusetts Resources

Massachusetts offers a statewide, 24-hour hotline and coordinated support network:

  • SafeLink (Massachusetts Statewide Hotline)
    Call: 877-785-2020
    TTY: 877-521-2601 (Massachusetts Government)

    SafeLink is a free, confidential, 24/7 domestic-violence hotline that connects callers to local programs, safety planning, and referrals across the state. (Massachusetts Government)
    Advocates can assist in multiple languages and connect survivors to nearby services. (Massachusetts Government)

  • Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA)
    Provides help, referrals, and support for victims and families affected by violence. (Massachusetts Women’s Commission)

  • Additional statewide services include counseling programs, legal referrals, and specialized hotlines for elders, teens, and survivors with specific needs. (Massachusetts Government)

Community organizations and regional programs throughout Massachusetts also provide confidential support, shelter access, and advocacy services. (Salasin Project)

If You Want to Help Someone

If someone confides in you:

  • Listen without judgment.

  • Believe them.

  • Do not pressure them to leave — support them in making their own safe decisions.

  • Help them find resources when they are ready.

  • Stay connected. Isolation is one of abuse’s strongest tools.

A Message of Hope

Raising awareness cannot change what has already happened, but it can help protect others and bring light into difficult places. By sharing knowledge, compassion, and resources, we honor Gabriella’s life in a way that supports those who may still be struggling.

If this page helps even one person seek help, offer support, or recognize the signs of abuse, then her memory continues to make a difference.

You are not alone. Help is available. There is hope.