Victim Services, Resources, and Training

Established in 1984 with the enactment of the Commonwealth's first Victim Bill of Rights, MOVA strives to ensure access to equitable services across the Commonwealth.

MOVA provides assistance to crime victims and connects them with local providers available to assist them. Further, MOVA provides training opportunities for service providers to ensure those who work with victims and survivors are compassionate, informed, and are able to collaborate with one another to meet victim and survivor needs.

If you are looking for local victim services or support, please visit our AskMOVA website (www.mass.gov/askmova). You can find services by crime type and/or location on AskMOVA.

To be kept informed about updates from MOVA, please join our email distribution list by sending your name and email address to [e-mail] and asking to be added to the general listserv. We never share contact information.

Victim Rights Month (VRM) 2026

Upcoming VRM Webinars

Throughout April, MOVA commemorates victim rights and services across the Commonwealth in honor of Victim Rights Month. Throughout the month, MOVA will host opportunities to uplift Victim Rights, including honoring the Victim Rights Award recipients at the State House, and recognizing advocates celebrating anniversaries of providing direct services. Follow us @massmova to stay up to date on all happenings. 

Coercive and Controlling Abusive Behaviors – What They Are, How They Are Abusive, and How to Seek Protection, Part 2

Presented by: Aimee Parco (Greater Boston Legal Services), Anne Sheldon (Massachusetts Law Reform Institute), and Carmen Aliber (Together Rising Above Coercion- TRAC).

When: Wednesday, April 1st, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Where: Register here for the webinar

Description: This webinar will provide a detailed overview of the new law, including what coercive control is and how it is defined under the statute. Presenters will also review relevant case law and share practical guidance for advocates and survivors preparing for a 209A hearing.

How Buyers Drive Sexual Exploitation, Facilitated by the Survivors & Allies Coalition for Justice

Presented by: Audrey Morrissey, Audra Doody, Delia Vega, DJ Beauregard, Ivette Monge, Luke Goldworm, Michael Shively, and Peter Qualliotine from the Coalition Survivors and Allies for Justice.

When: Wednesday, April 8th, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Where: Register here for the webinar

Description: Our keynote speaker, the mayor of Methuen, MA, will share about the collaborative work he is spearheading to combat sexual exploitation in his town. During the panel, we will hear from three experts in the field doing work to address demand through various avenues including research, policy, diversion programs, litigation, and more. Speakers will share successes in addressing demand and look forward to solutions to this issue.

Let us know what future training opportunities you would be interested in.

2026 Length of Service Awardees

Thank you for your commitment and dedication on behalf of survivors across the Commonwealth!

List of 2026 Length of Service Awardees 

2026 Victim Rights Awards Ceremony

The Victim Rights Awards Ceremony will be held on April 28, 2026, at the Massachusetts State House, Grand Staircase at 1:00PM. Each year, MOVA honors individuals who have made notable contributions to advancing victim rights and services in Massachusetts.

SAFEPLAN Programs

Safety Assistance For Every Person Leaving Abuse Now

SAFEPLAN is MOVA’s statewide court-based program that provides specially trained advocates to help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are seeking protection from abuse. SAFEPLAN currently serves 53 district and probate courts throughout the state.SAFEPLAN Advocates are employed by 15 local community-based domestic violence and sexual assault agencies in the following counties:

County	Agency
Barnstable	Independence House
Berkshire	Elizabeth Freeman Center
Bristol	New Hope Stanley Street Treatment and Resources The New Bedford Women's Center
Essex	Healing Abuse Working for Change (HAWC) YWCA Northeastern MA
Franklin	NELCWIT
Hampden	Alianza Behavioral Health Network YWCA of Western MA
Hampshire	YWCA of Western MA
Middlesex	Greater Boston Legal Services YWCA of Central MA
Plymouth	Health Imperatives/A New Day South Shore Resource and Advocacy Center
Worcester	New Hope YWCA of Central MA

Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance Training Academy (MTA)

The Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) Training Academy (MTA) was developed to meet the emerging needs of direct service providers in the victim services field in Massachusetts. MOVA envisions that this academy will unite criminal legal and community advocates across the Commonwealth and provide knowledge that supports trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and equitable services that reflect the diverse communities they serve. As a result, the voices and experiences of victims and survivors will be further heard, valued, and amplified across systems. This year's application process has closed and we look forward to welcoming students to the MTA in July. Stay tuned for more information about the 2026 academy. 

Past Trainings

Downloadable Resources

Victim Bill of Rights Brochures

SAFEPLAN Brochures

Safety planning during COVID-19

To request an alternate form of these documents, including a document in another language, contact [e-mail].