DPH recognizes that children who have been directly abused by the offending parent/partner or who grow up in homes where domestic violence is present are adversely impacted by these experiences. CEDV programs view children as primary survivors of domestic violence and provide safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed services to counteract the negative impacts of domestic violence. Programming is grounded in social justice principles and a well-being approach, and services are meaningfully accessible to the diverse populations across the Commonwealth.
Intervention with children is shaped by the fact that the child is part of a family, a community, and a culture. Programs work proactively to support and develop a child’s resiliency in a variety of ways such as working to strengthen a child’s bond with the non-offending parent, assisting the parent and child to build upon their support network(s) within the community, and advocating for effective responses by schools and other community agencies. Programs have strong and active collaborations and relationships with community stakeholders.
Services offered
The spectrum of services offered by CEDV Programs are based on the individual needs and strengths of the child and their caregiver, and can include:
- Individual and group counseling
- Parent-child therapies
- Systems advocacy and case management
- Psychoeducational groups
- Family support services and family intervention
- Risk assessment
- Crisis intervention and safety planning
- Referrals and basic needs assistance
- Community outreach and education
Assistance to children & parent
CEDV services assist children who have been adversely affected by exposure to domestic violence and the parent who is experiencing the abuse.
Free of charge
All services are provided free of charge in accordance with M.G.L. c. 233 s.20k by trained domestic violence advocates and/or volunteers who are receiving on-going supervision.
Trained professionals
CEDV program staff are skilled in early identification, assessment of the full range of a child’s exposure to violence, in-depth understanding of social and cultural context, and individualized intervention.
Find a provider
Search a provider near you. Some of these providers also offer other services. Learn more about funded services and programming on Find Sexual and Domestic Violence Services.