Resources available regarding abuse or harassment

Find organizations and programs that can help with abuse or harassment.

Help with abuse

  • Resource Guide — A list of advocacy services information sorted by region for people who want to request abuse prevention orders (209A) and, in appropriate cases, harassment prevention orders (258E).
  • HelpSteps.com Free web and app based system that connects you to services. This service is free and confidential.
  • Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance (MOVA)  If you need help requesting an abuse prevention order, MOVA offers a program called SAFEPLAN that provides people to help you in many courts across the state.
  • Court advocates — There are other programs in some courts that provide people who can help you fill out forms and go with you to the courtroom. In some cases, the advocate is from the local domestic violence service provider. In other cases, District Attorney Office victim-witness advocates can help you file for a 209A order. You can find a list of domestic violence service providers at Jane Doe, Inc. People at these organizations can tell you if they have court advocates or, if not, how to reach a court advocate.
  • SAFELINK hotline — If you need help immediately for safety planning or shelter, call the SAFELINK hotline at 1(877) 785-2020. They can help you find a domestic violence program or shelter near you.

Help with harassment

  • Resource Guide — A list of advocacy services information sorted by region for people who want to request abuse prevention orders (209A) and, in appropriate cases, harassment prevention orders (258E).
  • Local police You don’t have to call the police, but it’s important for you to know you can call them if you feel you need their protection, especially in emergencies.
  • Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) — MOVA coordinates the SAFEPLAN programs on a statewide basis. SAFEPLAN is a court-based program that provides advocates to help victims of sexual assault and stalking who want a harassment prevention order. SAFEPLAN advocates are available in 41 District Courts and Probate & Family Courts across the state. The services they provide to victims are free. SAFEPLAN advocates can help victims of sexual assault or stalking get a harassment prevention order or go with you to a harassment prevention order hearing. 
  • Jane Doe, Inc. — Jane Doe, Inc. is the statewide coalition against sexual assault and domestic violence. Their website includes information for victims of sexual and domestic violence and stalking.
  • Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) — BARCC runs a 24/7 toll-free hotline: (800) 841-8371.
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline — 1(800) 656-HOPE connects callers directly to local crisis centers.
  • Victim Rights Law Center — The Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC) provides free, extensive legal services for rape and sexual assault survivors in parts of their lives that are affected by the rape or sexual assault. The VRLC can help survivors who are living in or were assaulted in Massachusetts. This includes:
    •  Adults and children
    • People of all abilities, gender identities, and sexual orientations 
    • Immigrants, refugees, and undocumented persons, regardless of immigration status. 
  • The VRLC provides representation in privacy, safety, housing, education, employment, immigration, criminal justice advocacy, and financial stability. The VRLC doesn’t offer representation in family law matters or matters outside of the Probate and Family Court.

    • Intake Numbers:
      • Boston: (617) 399-6720 x19
        • Spanish: (617) 399-6720 x35 
      • Central and Southeast MA: (508) 669-7020
        • Spanish: (508) 669-7020 x35
      • Western MA: (413) 842-4020
        • Spanish: (413) 842-4020 x35

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