You Are Not Alone: Resources for Reporting Abuse, Obtaining an Abuse Prevention Order, and Leaving an Abuser

What Is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is a pattern of behavior used to maintain power and control over an intimate partner or family member.

In Massachusetts, intimate partners include married couples (whether living together, separately, or in the process of divorce), engaged couples, domestic partners, or persons in a substantive dating relationship; couples who were formerly married or engaged, or formerly in a domestic partnership or substantive dating relationship; persons who have a child in common; and/or family members related by blood or marriage.

Abuse is defined as one or more of the following acts by an intimate partner:

Attempting to cause or causing physical harm
Placing another in fear of imminent serious physical harm
Causing another to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force, threat, or duress; and/or
Coercive control.

How to Report Domestic Abuse

IF YOU OR A FAMILY MEMBER FOR WHOM YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, CALL 911 NOW.

Otherwise, if you (or your family member) have been the victim of domestic abuse, go to the police station in the city or town closest to where the incident/offense took place and ask to speak to a police officer.

Victim/Witness Advocates

If the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be prosecuting a case against your abuser via the Office of the District Attorney, you will be assigned a victim/witness advocate who will consult with you. These advocates help victims of and witnesses to crime navigate the criminal justice system, providing information, support, and referrals. In cases involving domestic violence and/or child abuse, to protect the personal safety of yourself or those in your care, a victim/witness advocate can also direct you to resources that will help you obtain an abuse prevention order.

Abuse Prevention Orders

You may obtain an abuse prevention order (also known as a “restraining order”) in any District, Superior or Probate and Family court in Massachusetts. An emergency order is available through any police department after court hours and on weekends. There is no fee to get one. A sworn statement (affidavit) describing a recent or past incident(s) of abuse is required on the application or complaint form for an abuse prevention order. It is also important to provide information about the abuser, such as work address, telephone, birth date and social security number. Abuse prevention orders may require that an abuser stop the abuse, have no contact with the victim, vacate and/or remain away from a house or workplace, and surrender all firearms and firearm ID cards.

The court may also award temporary support and custody of minor children to the victim. If an abuse prevention order is issued, violation of its terms is a criminal offense and police must arrest the offending individual if they believe or see the order’s terms were violated. If an abuser violates the order, call the police immediately. Additionally, carry the order with you at all times and notify neighbors, employers, and childcare providers of its terms. Your victim/witness advocate and/or support staff from a trusted partner organization can help you access and file these forms.

Support and Community Resources

Free, confidential assistance to people in abusive relationships is available from many community organizations in Essex County, including:

SafeLink Hotline

877-785-2020

SafeLink is Massachusetts’ statewide 24/7 toll-free domestic violence hotline and a resource for anyone affected by domestic or dating violence. Advocates can provide translation in more than 130 languages.

Healing Abuse Working for Change (HAWC)

Hotline: 1-800-547-1649

HAWC provides a domestic abuse helpline, emergency shelter, legal services, advocacy and counseling services to more than 2,500 families in the North Shore area each year.

Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center

Hotline: 978-388-1888

The Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center offers many free, comprehensive services that support adult and child survivors as they heal from the trauma of domestic abuse and become empowered to make positive, healthy decisions.

Leaving Your Abuser: Make a Plan

If you or a family member are in immediate danger, call 911 now. Statistics suggest the period of leaving an abuser can be a dangerous time for victims. If you are planning to leave, consider the following tips:

Do not tell the abuser you are planning to leave. Formulate a safety plan and quickly put it into action.
If there is an argument, move to an area in which you have access to an exit. What doors, windows, elevators, or stairwells would you use to leave safely?
Keep a packed bag and emergency funds in a safe and accessible location, and know where you will go if you must leave in a hurry.
Make and keep copies of your and your children’s important documents (birth certificate, marriage license, medical records, insurance documents, social security card, passport, green card, check/bank books, medications, etc.) in a safe place for you to take with you when you leave.
Use a codeword with children, family, friends or neighbors to they know when to call for help.
Change locks on your doors. Install other safety devices/locks on doors and windows.
Keep this information and important contacts with you.
When you are ready, contact your police department (or call 911 if it is an emergency) and obtain an abuse prevention order. Local police phone numbers in Essex County are listed below.