Victim Witness Assistance
The overall mission of the Essex District Attorney's Victim Witness Services Division (Division) is to provide information, assistance, support and services to crime victims, their family members and witnesses in compliance with the Victim Rights Law, M.G.L., c. 258B. Started in 1979, the Division provides crisis intervention services, court accompaniment, and referrals for counseling and victim compensation. Victim Witness Advocates also provide information about Victim Impact Statements and post conviction services.
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Domestic Violence or family violence is the abuse of power and control. It is behavior used by one person to control another through force or threats
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The Essex District Attorney's Office realizes that a safe, violence-free home is not a reality for many families today. While women, men, children and elders are abused in the home, women are most often the victims of family violence, suffering from physical, emotional or sexual abuse by a partner or loved one.
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Abusive partners have a need to control. They will use physical as well as psychological means to do so. It has been documented that their public behavior differs greatly from private behavior and they have many excuses for their behavior. These excuses include claiming loss of control, attributing their behavior to alcohol/drug abuse, minimizing or denying their conduct, citing their good intentions and placing blame on others (often the victim). The following are signs to look for in an abusive personality:
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The Essex District Attorney's Office is committed to ensuring that crimes against persons with disabilities are thoroughly investigated and when possible, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
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Though there are many reasons why victims of domestic violence find it difficult to leave the abusive relationship, the following list represents some of the reasons.
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