The Every Voice Coalition was founded in 2016 by students and survivors in Boston who were tired of seeing sexual violence on college campuses affect us and those we love. When our co-founders created the coalition, they were just a group of students desperate to see progress codified into law. Together, they researched, wrote, and filed Every Voice’s first bill in Massachusetts.

Over 6 years, students came together to form a student and survivor movement. Some highlights of the Massachusetts movement include our 2018 rally at the State House, the 2019 statewide student summit, the 2020 virtual advocacy day, and many bill hearings in between. 

What does the Massachusetts Every Voice Law do?

The MA Every Voice Bill (CH 337) enacts comprehensive measures to combat sexual violence and support survivors studying at Massachusetts' private, public, and community colleges and universities. Specifically, the legislation will ensure:

1. Access to free medical and legal support services

2. Anti-retaliation protections for reporting parties from being punished for breaking school code of conduct at the time of an assault

3. Confidential advising services that clarify survivors' rights & options

4. Transparent data on sexual violence, gathered anonymously and published publicly

5. Universal, evidence-based annual prevention and response training for employees and students

The Every Voice Bill was written by students, survivors, and young alumni in Massachusetts through collaboration with lead sponsors Representative Lori Ehrlich, Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Senator Michael Moore, and Senator William Brownsberger. The bill’s passage was made possible by the support of its 160 co-sponsors.

The Every Voice MA Bill was also created through close collaboration with Jane Doe Inc., The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, Massachusetts Office for Victims Assistance, and more.