Domestic Abuse

Domestic Abuse

Q. What is Domestic Abuse?

A. Chapter 209A, the Massachusetts Abuse Prevention Act, defines abuse as:

Actual physical abuse, or
An attempt to harm another, or
Placing another in fear of serious physical harm, or
Causing another to engage in sexual relations by force, threat of force or duress

Q. Who can I call for help if I am in an abusive relationship?

A. Aside from the Police, there are several agencies that can assist victims of Domestic Abuse. However, if you are in danger, call 9-1-1.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline www.ndvh.org 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Massachusetts Statewide Hotline Program Domestic Violence SafeLink Multilingual 1-877-785-2020
National Sexual Violence Resource Center www.nsvrc.org 1-877-739-3895
Jane Doe, Inc./Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence www.janedoe.org 1-617-248-0922
Independence House www.independencehouse.com 1-800-439-6507
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center www.barcc.org 1-617-492-RAPE (7273) Espanol 1-800-223-5001