Domestic violence is not caused by or provoked by the action or inaction of the victim. Domestic violence is not directly caused by alcohol or drug abuse, depression, lack of money, lack of a job, mental illness, or abuse as a child. However, existing problems often create additional stress in a relationship and may increase the risk of violence. Many abusers blame the victim or other things for their violent acts and do not take responsibility for the abusive behavior. There is NEVER an excuse for violence. If you or a loved one are a victim of domestic violence and need help, please contact the Middleborough Police Department at (508) 947-1212. For emergencies dial 911.
“You have the right to go to the superior, probate and family, district or Boston municipal court if you reside within the appropriate jurisdiction, and file a complaint requesting any of the following applicable orders:
- an order restraining your attacker from abusing you;
- an order directing your attacker to leave your household;
- an order awarding you custody of a minor child;
- an order directing your attacker to pay support for you or any minor child in your custody, if the attacker has a legal obligation to support them; and
- an order directing your attacker to pay you for the losses suffered as a result of the abuse, including medical and moving expenses, loss of earnings or support, attorneys fees, and other out-of-pocket losses for injuries sustained.
For an emergency on weekends, holidays, or weeknights, you should contact the police, who will refer you to a justice of the superior, probate and family, district, or Boston municipal court departments.
You have the right to go to the appropriate district court or the Boston municipal court and seek a criminal complaint for threats, assault and battery, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with intent to kill, or other related offenses.
If you are in need of medical treatment, you have the right to request that the officer present drive you to the nearest hospital or otherwise assist you in obtaining medical treatment.
If you believe that police protection is needed for your physical safety, you have the right to request that the officer present remain at the scene until you and your children can leave or until your safety is otherwise insured.”
Legal Resources
Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder
The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute is a statewide non-profit legal services organization. The Legal Resource Finder will direct you to legal aid services in your community.
www.massLRF.org
MassLegalHelp
Practical information regarding your legal rights.
www.masslegalhelp.org
Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC)
VRLC provides civil legal assistance to victims of rape and sexual assault.
www.victimrights.org ■ (617) 399-6720
State Agencies
Department of Children and Families (DCF, formerly DSS)
Hotline: (800) 792-5200 ■ www.mass.gov/dcf
Department of Revenue (DOR)
Child Support: (800) 332-2733 ■ Customer Service: (800) 392-6089 ■ www.mass.gov/dor
Department of Transitional Assistance
(877) 382-2363 ■ www.mass.gov/dta
Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance
(617) 586-1340 ■ www.mass.gov/mova
Office of the Attorney General, Victim Compensation Division (VCD)
The Victim Compensation Division can provide financial assistance to eligible victims of violent crime for medical and dental care, mental health counseling, funeral and burial costs, crime scene clean-up services, and security measures.
(617) 727-2200 ext. 2160 ■ www.mass.gov/ago
SafeLink – (877) 785-2020 & (877) 521-2601 (TTY)
The Massachusetts 24/7 statewide domestic violence hotline operated by Casa Myrna. All calls to SafeLink are free, confidential and anonymous. SafeLink hotline advocates are multilingual, and have access to a translation services in more than 30 languages.
Llamanos y hablemos – (800) 223-5001
Toll-free Spanish sexual assault helpline. Limited hours.
National Domestic Violence Hotline – (800) 799-7233 & (800) 787-3224 (TTY)
Help is available in more than 170 different languages through interpreter services.
Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence – (617) 338-2355
Saheli, Friendship for South Asian Women – (866) 472-4354
The Network/La Red – (617) 742-4911 & (617) 227-4911 (TTY)
The Network/La Red offers free services in English and Spanish for survivors of partner abuse in lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and/or transgender (LGBQ/T), SM/kink and polyamorous communities. Limited Hours. www.TNLR.org