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General Information

Domestic violence can happen to anyone and includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Abuse may take many forms ranging from repeated threats, pushing and hitting to homicide. Abuse occurs in a cycle that often escalates in intensity and frequency over time. Women are by far the most frequent victims. In the United States a woman is beaten every 15 seconds. Women who are in this situation often feel scared, helpless, responsible, and isolated. Their partners can be controlling, jealous, and unpredictably violent. You are not responsible for the violence, nor are you alone. There are alternatives: shelters, counseling, protection orders, etc. You do not need to remain in an abusive situation.

Do you feel unsafe or threatened in your relationship?
Emergency Hotline Numbers:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-789-SAFE (7233)
REACH 800-899-4000
Voices Against Violence 800-593-1125
Safelink 877-785-2020

Services are free and confidential and include the following:
• 24-hour Emergency Hotlines
• Crisis Intervention
• Individual Counseling
• Legal Advocacy
• Medical Advocacy
• Support Groups
• Battered Women's Shelters
• Referrals
• Community Education
Services are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
This information is provided by:
The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable
P.O. Box 543
Sudbury, MA 01776
domesticviolenceroundtable.org

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 Additional Hotlines:
Child Abuse 800-792-5200
Elder Abuse 800-922-2275
Parental Stress 800-632-8188
Suicide Prevention 508-875-4500

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. you can obtain a Restraining and Vacate Order at any court in your town of residence to stop your attacker from hurting you and to order him/her to leave the household. Additional orders for temporary custody or support, monetary compensation, and for the retum of personal property are also available.

Millions of women just like you are also dealing with violence at home. Although it is usually hidden, this kind of abuse is very common and affects people from many walks of life, all religions, and all ethnic backgrounds. Nothing you say or do causes your partner to act violently toward you, and it is impossible for you to prevent the attacks by being the perfect wife or girlfriend. Some think it is okay to use violence to solve problems and that it is okay to hit a partner. 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. No one deserves to be beaten. There are no legal fees.