The first of its kind in Massachusetts, is comprised of several parts. Six assistant district attorneys, three victim-witness advocates and two civilian investigators prosecute domestic violence felonies in Superior Court. Designated prosecutors in four of the busiest courts - Roxbury, Boston Municipal Court, Chelsea and West Roxbury - track repeat offenders, handle the more serious district court cases and act as liaisons to the Superior Court unit and the community. Five prosecutors, two victim-witness advocates and one civilian investigator exclusively prosecute domestic violence cases in the Dorchester Domestic Violence Court. The Chief of the Domestic Violence Unit oversees each of these segments, and sets policy for prosecution of domestic violence cases throughout the office.

Today, the specialized Domestic Vioence Team is part of the coordinated Family Protection and Sexual Assualt Unit.

Wherever possible, victims work with the same prosecutor, victim-witness advocate and investigator until the case is resolved. Victim-witness advocates help victims navigate through the court process and assist in crisis intervention, obtaining restraining orders, safety planning and referrals for other services.

For more information about victim-witness advocates, click here.

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