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.

Upcoming Trainings

Caring for Others, Caring for Ourselves: A Trauma-Informed Approach Presented by Riverside Trauma Center

This webinar will explore the questions: What is trauma? What is trauma-informed care? What is the toll of working with others’ trauma? The session will offer practical strategies for practicing provider wellness while working with survivors of trauma. Riverside Trauma Center offers vital support and guidance after traumatic events, Riverside Trauma Center helps people, organizations, and communities cope with tragic situations and teaches essential skills for effective intervention.  Where: via Zoom Webinar Link

When: August 26,2026, from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

Where: Register via Zoom Webinar Link

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

Past Trainings

All previously recorded trainings can be found on MOVA's YouTube Page.

Victim Rights Month (VRM) 2026

Upcoming VRM Events

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. 

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.

Click here for the 2026 Victim Rights Awards Digital Program

2026 Victim Rights Awardees

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

List of 2026 Victim Rights Awardees

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 

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. The MTA unites criminal legal and community advocates across the Commonwealth. This multiple day training has two tracks that foster an inclusive environment for attendees to learn about the evolving landscape of victim services and how to best empower survivors. The academic setting at Endicott College promotes a meaningful learning experience that fosters connection with peers and access to mentorship. 

The 2026 MTA was held on July 20-24th, 2026. For further information, questions, or to inquire about any necessary accommodations, please email [e-mail].

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	Resilience Center of Franklin County (RCFC)
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

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].