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.
Culturally Sensitive Care for African American Muslim Survivors and African American Survivors: Trauma-Informed Strategies to Advance Victim Rights and Access
Presented by: Amy Sellers-Bey, Mental Health Counselor
When: April 15th, 2026, 1:00p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Where: Register here for the webinar
Description: This workshop explores culturally sensitive, trauma-informed approaches to supporting African Muslim survivors and African American survivors of crime and violence—two communities that experience distinct cultural contexts, histories, and systemic barriers when accessing victim services. While these populations may overlap, the session intentionally recognizes them as separate demographics with unique needs, strengths, and experiences. Participants will examine how culture, faith, race, and historical relationships with institutions influence survivor safety, help-seeking, and trust. The workshop emphasizes practical, victim-centered strategies that respect identity, promote autonomy, and expand equitable access to services across the Commonwealth.
What's Religion Got to Do with It: Talking with Domestic Abuse Survivors and Other Crime Survivors Victims About the Role of Spirituality, Faith, and Faith Communities in their Lives
Presented by: Julie Youdovin (Jewish Family & Children's Services)
When: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Where: Register here for the webinar
Description: This webinar will explore the role that faith, spirituality, and faith communities may play in the lives of survivors of domestic abuse and other crimes. The session will also examine how faith can sometimes be used as a tool of harm in abusive relationships.
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 | |
| Essex | |
| Franklin | NELCWIT |
| Hampden | |
| Hampshire | YWCA of Western MA |
| Middlesex | |
| Plymouth | |
| 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
Safety planning during COVID-19
To request an alternate form of these documents, including a document in another language, contact mova@mass.gov.