Violence Free Living
Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence
Violence and abuse affect all kinds of people every day. It does not matter what race or culture you come from, how much money you have, or if you have a disability. It is most common among women between ages 15 and 54, but it can happen to anybody at any age.
Every year, 1,510,455 women and 834,732 men are victims of physical violence by an intimate. This is according to a Nov. 1998 Department of Justice report on the National Violence Against Women Survey. What does that mean? Every 37.8 seconds, somewhere in America a man is battered. Every 20.9 seconds, somewhere in America a woman is battered
Abuse can be physical, mental, and/or emotional. Learn more about how to know the signs of violence and abuse and how to stay safe. If you are being abused or have a loved one who is abused, or think there is abuse, get help as soon as you can.
- The Relationship Quiz
You can get an idea of whether your relationship shows signs of being abusive by taking a quiz. The quiz is not an official psychological diagnosis but may indicate the need for help. Any kind of physical or verbal assault will likely get worse over time.
On-line version | PDF pritable version
- It Won’t Happen to Me: Substance Abuse-Related Violence Against Women for Anyone Concerned About The Issues - Web based course – click here for more information
Resources and Assistance in the Massachusetts and Greater Boston
- Sexual Assault Prevention and Survivor Services – Link to Massachusetts Department of Public Health listing of Rape Crisis Centers and hotlines.
- Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance – The Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) is an independent state agency devoted to upholding and advancing the rights of crime victims. MOVA offers a range of services including a free guidebook: “In the Aftermath of Crime: A Guide to Victim Rights and Services in Massachusetts”
- Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) Handbook – BARCC’s handbook contains important information about BARCC’s services, as well as information for survivors and their families. Click here to access handbook | Click here for BARCC web site
- The Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project – A statewide organization, offering support and information to people across Massachusetts, free of charge. Resource List For Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence in the State of Massachusetts.
- Jane Doe, Inc. – The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence – Resources for support and safety planning – web site
- The Violence Recovery Program (VRP) at Fenway Community Health Center was founded in 1986 and was formerly known as the “Victim Recovery Program.” The VRP provides counseling, support groups, advocacy, and referral services to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) victims of bias crime, domestic violence, sexual assault and police misconduct. Click here for the web site or call 617-927-6250
