Massachusetts increased protections for survivors of interpersonal violence by increasing statute of limitations, including “coercive control” in the definition of abuse, and protecting against “revenge porn.”
Last-reviewed: Feb. 11, 2026
Hotlines
- Immigration Defense: LUCE operates the immigration defense hotline at 617-370-5023.
- Domestic Violence: Survivors of domestic violence can call SafeLink’s free, statewide, 24-hour hotline at 877-785-2020. Translation services are provided for 130 languages. Survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing can dial 711 and ask to be connected to the SafeLink hotline.
- Hate-based violence: MA residents and visitors can call the “End Hate Now” hotline (1-83-END-H8-NOW or 1-833-634-8669) to report concerning or troubling incidents of hate, potential hate crimes, or other signs of hate-based violent extremism.
- Community violence: The Community Healing Response Network offers services for Boston residents impacted by community violence. A support line is available 7 days a week 365 days a year at 617-431-0125.
- Suicide and crisis hotline: 9-8-8 is a national suicide & crisis hotline, for phone calls and texts. It does not replace 911 for emergencies, but rather connects people who are experiencing a mental health crisis to a counselor.
- FAQ here.
- Services are available in English and Spanish, with interpreter services available for hundreds of other languages.
- TTY users dial 711 then 988 or people can use their preferred relay service.
- LGBTQIA+ youth: The Trevor Project operates an LGBTQIA+ youth crisis line by phone, text and online chat.
Interpersonal Violence
- If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
- Massachusetts increased protections for survivors of interpersonal violence. These protections expand the definition of abuse to include “coercive control,” include protections against sex-based images (commonly referred to as “revenge porn”), and extends the statute of limitations for many interpersonal crimes.
- Interpersonal safety resources address intimate partner violence, domestic violence, abuse and neglect of children, older adults, and persons with disabilities.
- The Violence Against Women Act of 2022 (VAWA 2022) provides protections for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are seeking to access or maintain federally assisted housing. Information on how to file a VAWA Complaint.
- Individuals who fear that another may harm them can request a restraining order through local courts between 8:30am and 4:30pm. When courts are closed, protection orders are available through local police departments.
- Many community-based organizations specialize in serving survivors of intimate partner violence, including DOVE, Jane Doe Inc., and YWCA Central Massachusetts. The Network/LaRed and Fenway Healthcare serve survivors in the LGBTQIA+ community. Specialized supports are also offered through the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence.
- The Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) offers resources for victims, survivors, and service providers at 844-878-MOVA (6682).
- Every DTA office has a Domestic Violence Specialist (DVS) to help survivors access community resources, engage in safety planning, assist with shelter and housing resources, and seek waivers of certain program rules. To reach the DVS in your region, call the DTA Assistance Line at (877) 382-2363 or review one of these brochures (available in English and 6 other languages).
- Survivors of DV, sexual assault, or stalking who need to keep their address private to remain safe can apply for a confidential address through the Address Confidentiality Program.
General Information
- The Massachusetts Disability Indicator Program offers a free, voluntary service that alerts 9-1-1 personnel that an individual with a disability may have unique safety, communications or other needs in case of an emergency.
- Anyone who has witnessed or experienced police misconduct can file a report. Police misconduct includes but is not limited to unnecessary force, intimidation, racial profiling, and unprofessional behavior. Each police agency has a different process for filing reports. Many have online complaint forms (e.g., MA State Police, MBTA Transit Police, Boston Police Department). For additional information about rights during an interaction with police, visit the MA ACLU.
Unlocking Access® Resources for Care Teams
There are many ways care teams can support people with interpersonal safety-related needs. For more specific legal information and strategies, care team members who have access to Legal Key’s Unlocking Access® Hub should log in.
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