Actress Marlee Matlin to Speak About Surviving Domestic Abuse

Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin will speak about her experience escaping domestic violence at domestic violence agency The Second Step’s the 20th anniversary event.

The fundraising event, Celebrating Success, will take place tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the , 70 Third Ave., Waltham. 

A Newton-based agency, The Second Step provides long-term support for survivors of domestic abuse and their children while using their expertise and experience to save lives and prevent the cycle of abuse.

With two major fundraisers each year, the 20th anniversary celebration, Celebrating Success, will be the agency’s “largest and most mission-based event, featuring survivors who have benefitted from our services,” said Executive Director Roberta Rosenberg.

“It is a time when our entire community gathers to celebrate our families' success in rebuilding their lives after abuse,” she says.  “The highlight … is hearing a survivor and a participant in our program share her personal story, [which is] always inspiring and reaffirm[s] the need for our program and services as well as generating financial support for The Second Step.”  

With more than 400 individuals and professionals expected to attend the event, the money raised by attendees will go to support The Second Step’s programs and services, which help more than 150 women and 300 children each year, says Rosenberg. 

Marlee Matlin, who is among hundreds of women served by The Second Step who found a way out of domestic violence, was the perfect fit to speak at this year’s celebration.

“She will be sharing her personal story as well as highlights from her career,” says Rosenberg.  “We are already big fans of hers and cannot wait to introduce her to our community.” 

Matlin received the Academy Award for Best Actress for her film debut in Children of a Lesser God. A four-time Emmy Award winner, she starred on The West Wing and has also appeared on Dancing with the Stars and Celebrity Apprentice.

In addition to Matlin speaking, the evening will also include silent and live auctions, a cocktail reception and dinner. 

“It is a wonderful evening as so many of our supporters live and work in Newton and many of our guests enjoy catching up with one another,” says Rosenberg.  “We are truly fortunate to have a community like ours who are engaged in our mission and the important work of supporting survivors in our community.” 

Tickets to the event are $250 and can be purchased online.