Framingham Area Domestic Violence Resources

General Information

Domestic violence can happen to anyone and includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Abuse can range from repeated threats, to pushing and hitting to homicide. Many times abuse occurs in a cycle that often escalates in intensity and frequency over time.

Victims of domestic abuse feel scared, helpless, isolated and sometimes blame themselves. Their abusers can be controlling, jealous, and unpredictably violent. You do not need to remain in an abusive situation, there are shelters, counseling services, or protection orders from a court and other alternatives.

Do you feel unsafe or threatened in your relationship?

There is help. Call one of the Emergency or Hotline numbers below, its could be your first step to ending the cycle of abuse.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-789-SAFE (7233)
  
• REACH 800-899-4000
  
• Voices Against Violence 800-593-1125
  
• Safelink 877-785-2020
  
• Child Abuse Hotline 800-792-5200
  
• Elder Abuse Hotline 800-922-2275
  
• Parental Stress Line 800-632-8188
  

Some of the organizations and professionals in the Framingham area to help you work through your situation including Crisis Intervention services, Individual Counseling, Legal Advocacy, Medical Treatment, Support Groups, Shelters and Community Education programs.

• Asian Task Force 617-338-2355
  
• Children's Charter 781-894-4307
  
• Domestic Violence Services 781-275-6111, 888-398-6111
  
• Eliot Community Mental Health Center Counseling 978-369-1113
  
• Gay & Lesbian National Hotline 888-843-4564
  
• Jewish Family & Children's Services 781-647-5327
  
• Saheli (East Asian)866-472-4354
  
• South Middlesex Legal Services 508-620-1830
  
• Support Group for Women with Controlling Partners 978-369-0259
  

If you are being abused by a blood relative, former or present household member, someone with whom you share a biological child or a significant dating relationship, Chapter 209 of Mass. General Law provides immediate protection, if;

• you have been physically abused
• you have been seriously threatened/emotionally abused
• you have been compelled to have sex against your will by force or threats.

If you reside in Framingham you can request an Emergency Protective Order at the Middlesex District Court on Concord St. If there will be child custody or child support issues, it may be best to got to the Middlesex Probate & Family Court in Cambridge, as you will need to file for orders there if you are planning to separate legally, divorce, or need child support, custody and visitation orders.

There is NO EXCUSE for Domestic Violence

Millions of other people deal with violence at home. Although it is usually hidden, abuse is very common and affects people from all walks of life, all genders, all ages and all ethnic backgrounds.

Some think it is okay to use violence to solve problems and that its okay to hit a partner. You can't prevent attacks by being "perfect". But no one has the right to physically or emotionally harm or intimidate you. That kind of behavior is against the law. Domestic violence does not go away on its own. It tends to get worse and become more frequent. Call if you need help. Go to a police station. Go to a courthouse. There are no legal fees for filing domestic abuse complaints in Massachusetts courts. No one deserves to be beaten. You are not alone.