Danvers Native RESPONDs to End Domestic Violence

Danvers native Jessica Brayden accepted a Hometown Hero award Friday on behalf of her organization's work to end cycles of domestic violence and support victims of abuse.

Brayden is the executive director of RESPOND, Inc., a nonprofit agency operating out of Somerville that provides free shelter, support services, training and education to more than 75,000 victims of domestic abuse. It was the first domestic violence agency in New England, formed in 1974, and the second oldest in the nation.

"We still feel like we're fighting against that taboo today," Brayden said on the show, explaining that 40 years ago, there were really no services available for victims and while that situation has changed a lot since then, there are still societal barriers to break through.

"We are constantly working to let people know that it's not your fault, someone will believe you, this can happen to anybody and there is somewhere to go for help," she said.

Brayden has appeared on Fox 25 before to talk about teen dating violence, but on Friday, she was featured on one of the station's ZIP trips to Union Square in Somerville to be presented with the award.

Brayden has led the agency since 2008. She's also worked as a programs and operations director for Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries in Salem and held leadership positions at Family Continuity Program in Lawrence.

You can watch Brayden's recent appearance on Fox 25 here.