How can a SAFEPLAN advocate be reached?

SAFEPLAN advocates are employees of local domestic violence programs and are primarily stationed at the local courthouse. An advocate can generally be reached during the hours the courts are open or by contacting the local domestic violence program. In case of an emergency victims of domestic violence should dial 911. For further information about services for domestic violence victims throughout Massachusetts call SAFELINK, the toll-free 24- hour statewide domestic violence hotline, at: 1-877-785-2020 The SAFEPLAN program is grateful for funding from the following sources: The Massachusetts Legislature The Victims of Crime Act The Violence Against Women Act The Edward J. Byrne Memorial Law Enforcement Grant The United Way The Massachusetts Bar Foundation For further information on the SAFEPLAN program contact the Family Violence Project/SAFEPLAN Manager at the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance at: 617-727-5200.

What is SAFEPLAN?

SAFEPLAN (Safety Assistance For Every Person Leaving Abuse Now) is a partnership program between MOVA and community based domestic violence programs. SAFEPLAN works in collaboration with district attorneys’ offices and other allied criminal justice and social service agencies. SAFEPLAN provides specially trained and certified advocates to offer court advocacy and supportive services to victims of domestic violence who are seeking intervention and protection through the court system. SAFEPLAN advocates are based in 36 district and probate courts throughout the Commonwealth.

Why are SAFEPLAN advocates necessary?

Domestic violence is a pervasive problem throughout Massachusetts. Each year in Massachusetts over 25,000 victims of domestic violence receive protection from abuse orders from the courts. The process of obtaining a protective order can often be intimidating for many victims. The goal of a SAFEPLAN advocate is provide safety assistance throughout the protective order process. The concept behind SAFEPLAN is supported by SAFEPLAN statistics that reveal that approximately 80% of all victims coming to court seeking protective orders have had no prior contact with a community based domestic violence program. SAFEPLAN advocates provide a crucial link for victims to obtain counseling, shelter and other empowering services from local domestic violence programs. Additionally, victims who are helped by an advocate are more likely than unassisted victims to fully utilize the criminal justice system and the laws to prevent further abuse. SAFEPLAN advocates can offer the kind of assistance that makes a difference in keeping victims of domestic violence safe.

What does a SAFEPLAN advocate do?

A SAFEPLAN court advocate offers the following services to victims of domestic violence: Conducts risk and needs assessments with victims; Informs victims so that they may explore their legal rights and options in civil and criminal court proceedings; Assists victims with protective order paperwork; Answers questions about the protective order; Develops a safety plan with victims; Explains the court process and the protective order law; Offers victims information and education about domestic violence; Gives victims resource referrals; and Provides in-court advocacy. **SAFEPLAN advocates are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice, but are able to provide a referral to an attorney if one is needed.** All SAFEPLAN services are offered free of charge.

What type of training does a SAFEPLAN advocate have?

SAFEPLAN advocates receive a minimum of 24 hours of court advocacy training. Additionally, SAFEPLAN advocates attend all training mandated by the local domestic violence program that employs them. The court advocacy training covers topics such as: the dynamics of domestic violence, the Abuse Prevention Act (M.G.L. Ch. 209A), probate issues for victims of domestic violence, cultural sensitivity, and state and community resources available to victims of domestic violence. After completing the SAFEPLAN training advocates must shadow experienced advocates to fulfill the criteria for certification. Certification is maintained through regularly scheduled advanced trainings.

What is the difference between a SAFEPLAN advocate and a victim witness advocate

SAFEPLAN advocates primarily assist victims with advocacy surrounding the civil protective order process. Victim witness advocates are employees of district attorneys’ offices who provide court-based services to crime victims during criminal proceedings. The victim witness advocates are mandated to afford certain rights and services to crime victims as defined in the Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights (M.G.L. Ch. 258B, S.3). SAFEPLAN and victim witness advocates work to offer comprehensive coordinated services to victims of domestic violence.