The YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts – A Voice for Women & Girls
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Domestic Violence

DV, people holding arms up at sunsetDomestic Violence is a community issue. The YWCA provides crucial support to domestic violence survivors and their families since 1993, with funding from state, federal and municipal awards, private foundations and generous individual contributors.

Anyone in need of Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault services may call the YWCA during the day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 978.682.3039.

After hours, you may call our 24-hour Sexual Assault hotline at 877.509.YWCA (9922), or our 24-hour Domestic Violence hotline at 844.372.9922.

As an alternative, you may call the statewide, 24-hour SafeLink Domestic Violence Sheltering Line at 877.785.2020,  for referrals to shelter and domestic violence hotlines and programs in your region.

The YWCA offers a range of services to domestic violence survivors and their families, including:

  • Emergency Services: Crisis intervention and advocacy, emergency safety planning, referrals to shelters, transportation and help obtaining food and other emergency needs.
  • SAFEPLAN Court Advocacy: The YWCA’s bi-lingual (English-Spanish) SAFEPLAN Advocates are on site at Lawrence District Court and Haverhill District Court. SAFEPLAN Advocates assist with obtaining restraining orders and harassment orders in both district and probate court. SAFEPLAN Advocates help victims understand their legal rights, options and responsibilities, arrange for translation services and make referrals to legal Services as needed.
  • Transitional Housing and Supportive Services: The OASIS Project provides 9 units of apartments for families have who experienced homelessness as the result of domestic violence. Services include programs on becoming economically self-sufficient, vocational counseling, parenting skills instruction, anger management, individual case management and counseling support for women and their children.
  • The Single Residency Occupancy [SRO] program is an option for single women who become homeless as a result of domestic violence and includes 10 units of single-room occupancy apartments with shared kitchen, living room and baths. Women living here receive vocation counseling and case management and may live there permanently.
  • Youth Education on Healthy Relationships: The YWCA provides in-school workshops on healthy relationships to more than 1,400 teens each year to help teens recognize red flags, regulate emotions, understand that they have choices, understand the true meaning of consent and remain safe. Workshops are also available to parents, youth workers and community leaders.