Boston Police Department brings awareness to domestic violence during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the BPD has chosen to observe the month by highlighting our Domestic Violence Unit as well as providing a list of local services for victims of domestic violence.

Domestic Violence Unit (DVU)

DVU detectives investigate incidents of abuse among intimate partners or family members. Abuse can include physical violence, threats, stalking, intimidation, verbal abuse, and other behaviors used by one person to control another. DVU detectives work out of the FJC, and can be reached at 617-343-4350. In addition, civilian domestic violence advocates are assigned to several police stations in the City, and can assist victims of domestic violence with safety planning, crisis intervention, and referrals to a myriad of services, including legal assistance and housing relocation. To speak with an advocate, contact your local police station or call the DVU for more information about our advocates.

THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: With community members encouraged to stay home to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, the Boston Police Department recognizes the impact that COVID-19 is having on families in our community and the fact that some may find themselves confined with an abuser.

This isolation can mean danger for some members of our City. Make no mistake, you are not alone and no one deserves to be abused. To those in need of help, there are resources available to you. Please reach out if you, or someone you know, is in need of help or safety planning.

In the case of an emergency, CALL 9-1-1.

Community members wanting to report any case of domestic violence, that is not occurring at the moment, may do so anonymously by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to aid or help any victim of domestic violence in an anonymous manner.

Listed below are several domestic violence programs available in the Boston area.

• Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence
• Association of Haitian Women in Boston/ Asosiyasyon Fanm Ayisyen nan Boston (AFAB)
• Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)
• Casa Myrna Vasquez
• Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS)