Karen Messina, Vice President/Secretary

Board Vice President/Secretary

Karen A. Messina-McDonnell is a Paralegal with Xerox Corporation.

My story is simple, I am a survivor of domestic violence and after 27 years of always looking back on my abuse and wishing I could help others, I have finally found a venue to really make a difference. I went to ABW to see how I could help and they directed me to a group called SAFER (Survivors Advocating for Effective Reform) where I learned alot about legislation. I also work with VSLP (Volunteer Legal Services Project) on some pro-bono cases for women that are in the same situation that I was in during my abuse and I work with Task Force on Courts to help rectify some of the injustices happening in the courtrooms. When I heard about Stand Up Guys, I was very impressed with their mission and felt I would be a good fit here as well. If any of the men that were in my circle of family and friends would have stood up during my abusive relationship, I would not have had to endure 3 years of emotional, mental and physical abuse. Raising awareness and teaching is where I feel the most good can come. Giving people tools to make better choices in their lives rather than resort to violence is the answer in my mind, so anything I can do to make a difference is my goal.