Domestic Violence Information

Domestic Violence Information

These are your rights if you are involved in a domestic violence situation and you don’t know what to do, or where to turn to for help. After you read what you can and cannot do, I have listed phone numbers that you may want to call, and talk with someone confidentially who truly understands your situation and will help you, no matter what. Don’t ever think your problem is impossible to solve.

Your Rights:
You havet he right to appear at the Superior, Probate and Family, District, or Boston Municipal Court, if you reside within the appropriate jurisdiction, and file a complaint requesting any of the following applicable orders:

  1. An order restraining your attacker from abusing you;
  2. An order directing your attacker to leave your household, building or workplace;
  3. An order awarding you custody of a minor child;
  4. An order directing your attacker to pay support for you or any minor child in your custody, if the attacker has legal obligation of support; and
  5. An order directing your medical and moving expenses, loss of earnings or support, costs for restoring utilities and replacing locks, reasonable attorney’s fees, and other out-of-pocket losses for unjury and property damage sustained.

For an emergency on weekends, holidays, or week nights, the police will refer you to a justive of the Superior, Probate and Family, District, or Boston Municipal Court departments.

You have the right to go to the appropriate district court, or the Boston Municipal Court and seek a criminal complaint for threats, assualt and battery, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with intent to kill, or other related offenses.

If you are in need of medical treatment, you have the right to request that an officer present drive you to the nearest hospital or otherwise assist you in obtaining medical treatment.

If you believe that police protection is needed for your physical safety, you have the right to request that the officer present remain at the scene until you and your children can leave or until your safety is otherwise ensured. You may also request that the officer assist you in locating and taking you to a safe place, including but not limited to a designated meeting place for shelter, or a family member’s or friend’s residence, or a similar place of safety.

You may request a copy of the police incident report at no cost to you from the police department.
 

Weymouth Police Department Civilian Domestic Violence Program

Statistics help us to see that domestic violence in prevelent in many homes across the nation. The Weymouth Police Department has always taken this very seriously and takes an attentive and unique approach to try to assist those who are affected to get help by having an on-site domestic violence advocate multiple days a week. As a pro-active department, the WPD is committed to responding to those calls with caution, care and empathy and understands that not only are the victims affected but the children as well. Statistics also reveal that children who witness violence are significantly more likely to suffer emotional trauma which if not addressed can lead to suffering emotional trauma, addictions, emotional disorders, anxiety and decreased self esteem.

Continuing with a long time relationship with the DOVE Program, the Civilian Domestic Violence Advocate from DOVE reaches out to all victims named in domestic violence reports to offer support, information on rights, navigation through the legal system, resources in the community and will review available options with each victim. This Advocate also assists in the restraining order process at Quincy District Court every Friday.

Domestic Violence High Risk Indicators

  • Perpetrator threatenss or fantasizes of homicide/ suicide
  • Threats ot harm the victims children
  • Jealousy
  • Financial Controls
  • Violence is increasing or becoming unpredictable
  • No choice when it comes to having sex
  • Strangulation or attempted strangulation
  • Access or ownership of weapons
  • Extreme violence to victim
  • Victim believes the perpetrator will kill them
  • Hostage taking or kidnapping
  • Threat to kidnap
  • Any type of substance abuse
  • Violence to animals
  • Stalking behaviors

There are many signs of an abusive personality with only few of them being physical. If you recognize any of the above indicators or feel they are present in your relationship, you could be in danger. There are people who you can speak with at the Weymouth Police Department and DOVE.  Please contact the Civilian Domestic Violence Advocate at 617-653-4226 or if safer, by email at
Maureen.flores@dovema.org if you have questions or need assistance.

Here are some additional phone numbers if you are in need of help:

"ALL CALLS ARE CONFIDENTIAL".

In Weymouth @ 541 Main St. 682 0800 M thru F
DOVE, Inc – DOmestic Violence Ended 
24 Hr 1-888-314-DOVE (3683)
Asian Domestic Violence: 1 617 338 2350
National Abuse Hotline: 1 800 799 SAFE
Disabled Abuse Hotline: 1 800 426 9009
Elder Abuse Hotline: 1 800 922 2275 M to F
New Hope Shelter: 1 508 695 2113
Battered Woman’s Services: 1 800 992 2600
Domestic Violence Unit (Quincy) 1 617 472 2515
Greater Boston Legal Services: 1 617 472 3177
Emerge Batterer’s Treatment: 1 617 422 1550

Don’t hesitate, if you need to, Call.