Boston, MA – April 7, 2025 – A groundbreaking intervention is being proposed to address the often-overlooked crisis of intimate partner violence (IPV) among Black and African American lesbian women incarcerated at Massachusetts Correctional Institution–Framingham (MCI-Framingham). The pilot program, developed by Celeste K. Hedequist, a scholar from Lasell University’s Criminal Justice Department, seeks to deliver culturally responsive, trauma-informed support to one of the most vulnerable populations in the justice system.
For decades, intimate partner violence has disproportionately affected marginalized communities, especially women of color and those in LGBTQ+ groups. Incarcerated women frequently carry histories of abuse, yet few interventions are designed to meet the unique needs of Black/African American lesbians — a demographic that often faces the compounded pressures of racism, homophobia, and structural violence.
This proposed program is the first of its kind in the state of Massachusetts. It outlines a multi-pronged approach to support incarcerated women through education, resilience training, peer support, and mental health care. Services include trauma counseling, IPV awareness workshops, access to culturally competent healthcare providers, and opportunities for community engagement during and post-incarceration.
“MCI-Framingham is a space where we have the opportunity to disrupt cycles of trauma,” said Hedequist. “When we provide people with the right tools and culturally affirming support, we are not just reducing violence — we are creating pathways to healing and justice.”
The program also aims to address institutional practices that contribute to the problem, such as punitive responses to consensual relationships among female inmates and lack of staff training on same-sex IPV. It seeks to reform these systems by training correctional officers, engaging coalition partners, and launching a public awareness campaign.
Statistics show that more than 40% of Black women report experiencing IPV in their lifetime, and lesbian women are significantly more likely to be assaulted or raped by an intimate partner than their heterosexual peers. Within correctional settings, these figures are believed to be even higher, yet the silence around same-sex IPV often leads to invisibility in services and policy.
The initiative proposes forming community coalitions with government, LGBTQ+ organizations, public health entities, and formerly incarcerated individuals to promote long-term advocacy and systemic change.
As part of the rollout, the program plans to launch a visibility campaign under the banner #ListenLearnLead, aimed at destigmatizing both incarceration and queer identity while building public awareness of IPV in underserved communities.
This initiative not only fills a long-ignored gap in care but also holds the potential to influence policies beyond the walls of MCI-Framingham. If successful, the model could be adapted for correctional institutions nationwide.
About Celeste Hedequist, JD, MPH
Based in Boston and Washington D.C., Celeste Hedequist is an advocate for systemic reform in education, public policy, and beyond. With a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Columbia University and a Juris Doctor (JD) from Boston University, she leverages her interdisciplinary expertise to develop innovative solutions to pressing societal issues. Through thoughtful analysis, grounded understanding, and her lived experience, Celeste is committed to advancing equitable policies and driving meaningful change.
https://celestehedequist.com/a-multifaceted-approach-to-address-intimate-partner-abuse-amongst-black-african-american-lesbians-within-massachusetts-correctional-institution-framingham/
Media ContactCompany Name: Celeste Hedequist, JD, MPHContact Person: Celeste Hedequist, JD, MPHEmail: Send EmailCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://celestehedequist.com/a-multifaceted-approach-to-address-intimate-partner-abuse-amongst-black-african-american-lesbians-within-massachusetts-correctional-institution-framingham/
