Our SDV prevention and services partners

The Division of Sexual and Domestic Violence Prevention and Services works in partnership with all DPH-funded programs across the state in the effort to support survivors and their families and end sexual and domestic violence in the Commonwealth. In addition to our community-based programs, we work closely with the partners below to better meet the needs of survivors across Massachusetts.

• Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS)
  • We work with our colleagues at BSAS to ensure Substance Use Providers and Sexual and Domestic Violence programs have the skills and information to support survivors at any stage of their substance use and recovery through cross-training opportunities. 
• Disabled Persons Protection Commission - Sexual Assault Response Unit (SARU)
  • DPPC protects adults with disabilities from the abusive acts or omissions of their caregivers through investigation oversight, public awareness, and prevention.  The Sexual Assault Response Unit (SARU) within the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) and works statewide with the mission of increasing access to trauma services for survivors with disabilities. The Division of Sexual and Domestic Violence Prevention and Services supports the work SARU does and their relationships with Rape Crisis Centers across the state. The Division participates in SARU’s quarterly meetings and maintains an open line of communication that supports information sharing and any other opportunities. 
• Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Human Trafficking 
  • The mission of the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Human Trafficking is to advise the Governor on how to help individuals, children, and families of the Commonwealth live a life free of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. The Division of Sexual and Domestic Violence Prevention and services supports the work of the Council through our participation on various subcommittees and workgroups focused on this mission.
• Jane Doe Ince (JDI): The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence 
  • Collaboration with our state coalition is essential to our success. By partnering with Jane Doe Inc., the Division is able to support sexual and domestic violence providers across the state through robust technical assistance, convenings, and best practice recommendations. Through this partnership, we aim to maximize the effective use of federal and state resources to achieve our shared goals of the elimination of sexual and domestic violence and the most effective support for survivors and their families.
• MA Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program
  • SANE nurses are specifically trained to respond to SANE-certified hospitals when a sexual assault patient has presented. SANEs can support survivors of sexual assault by:
    • Obtaining and/or documenting the patient’s report of their assault
    • Performing a forensic exam and evidence collection
    • Collaborating with hospital providers for the timely administration of medications that can help to prevent assault-related pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including HIV

It is the survivor’s decision which, if any, of the resources or services offered they would like to partake in. All services and resources are free of charge.

To find a SANE site hospital and services near you, use this interactive map tool, which includes the address and contact information for each location. For a comprehensive list of SANE services, including TeleNursing, visit SANE Program Contact List.

1. Culturally Specific Programming is designed to meet the unique needs of the community being served. These programs are created by and for a specific cultural community with an emphasis on their voices and experiences. 

2. BIPOC refers to one or more of the following racial and ethnic communities: 1) American Indian/Native American/Indigenous People (including Alaska Native, Eskimo, and Aleut); 2) Asian/Asian-American; 3) Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander; 4) Black; and 5) Hispanic/Latinx.