Massachusetts Domestic Violence Lawyers
Each year, over 10 million Americans are affected by domestic violence. These individuals are our friends, family members and co-workers and often you won’t even know that somebody close to you is in an abusive relationship or household.
At O’Connor Family Law, supporting and protecting victims of domestic violence is our priority because we’ve been there. Members of our team have seen firsthand the pain that domestic abuse causes and even experienced it themselves. Because of that, we know how terrifying it can feel to be looking for a way out. There are so many factors to consider when trying to leave an abusive household: Where will you stay? Will you still be able to care for your children? What’s next for you and your family? These questions can be difficult in any separation, but when domestic violence is involved, finding a path to the future may feel completely overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this list of Massachusetts domestic violence resources to help you find the best organizations for support.
If you find yourself in immediate danger, please contact emergency services as appropriate.
Massachusetts Domestic Violence Resources
You can find a complete list of resources for your Massachusetts County at Mass.gov
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 (available 24/7)
- Ascentria Community Services, Inc.
- Behavioral Health Network
- CASA Project
- Abby’s House
- Community Healthlink, Inc.
- Department of Transitional Assistance
- Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC)
- New Hope, Inc.
- The Trauma Center at JRI
- Wayside Youth and Family Support Network
- YWCA Central Massachusetts
- Victim Rights Law Center
- Improving Prevention and Survivor Outcomes
Find a Trusted Domestic Violence Lawyer
If you expect to take legal action against your abuser in any way or will be navigating a divorce, child custody, or other family law issues, you will want to get a team of experienced domestic violence attorneys to represent your case. Our team at O’Connor Family Law has years of experience helping clients obtain restraining orders and navigate contested divorces to help you create a new path forward in life. Give us a call at 774-703-3755 if you need a domestic violence attorney for your family law case.
If You Are Afraid of Your Spouse Hearing Your Conversation
All case evaluations at O’Connor Family Law are confidential, but if you are worried about being overheard during a call with our team, you can request an incognito case evaluation by asking to speak to Liz. When a team member receives this request, they will conduct the rest of the case evaluation with yes or no questions and demographic or disguised questions as much as possible. In the event that anybody else grabs the phone during an incognito case evaluation, our team members will not discuss family law or the firm but rather will explain that our team member is calling with a consumer research survey to help a Qualtrics clients learn more about Massachusetts resident consumer habits.
If your emails are monitored, click here for more information on how to schedule an Incognito Case Evaluation with O’Connor Family Law.
Legal Resources
While these resources are not specifically tailored to individuals experiencing domestic abuse, they may be able to provide assistance to those seeking protection and legal recourse.
- O’Connor Family Law: Our team of Massachusetts domestic violence lawyers is here to help you navigate restraining orders, high conflict divorce, and all of your family law needs. You can call 774-703-3755 to get started. Note: Unfortunately, our firm is not able to offer pro bono representation at this time.
- Lawyer for the Day: Phone number/meeting varies by county (used for basic services like completing and filing forms, basic legal questions): https://www.mass.gov/service-details/lawyer-for-the-day-programs
- Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: https://www.masslawhelp.com/
- Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation: Number varies by office: https://mlac.org/help/
- North East Legal Aid: 978-458-1465 http://www.northeastlegalaid.org/
- Greater Boston Legal Services: 617-371-1234 https://www.gbls.org/get-legal-help
- Volunteer Lawyers Project: 617-603-1700 https://www.vlpnet.org/
- Harvard Legal Aid Bureau: 617-495-4408 http://www.harvardlegalaid.org/
- Mass Indigency (waiving of court fees): https://www.mass.gov/indigency-waiver-of-court-fees
- Mass Legal Services Resource Finder: https://www.masslegalservices.org/findlegalaid
- Mass Legal Help (more of an aide to understand your rights): https://www.masslegalhelp.org/children-and-families
- Free Legal Answers https://www.freelegalanswers.org/
- OurFamilyWizard Fee Waiver Application: https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/sites/default/files/inline-files/US-fee-waiver-form.pdf
What Constitutes Abuse?
When some think of domestic violence and other forms of abuse, they may think only of the physical violence that we see depicted in movies or on TV. There are several categories that abuse encompasses, however.
Emotional abuse occurs when an abuser uses verbal or non-verbal tactics over a period of time that often result in negative psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Verbal abuse can be yelling or screaming at victims, and non-verbal abuse can be things like neglecting the victim, isolating them from others, or terrorizing them.
Financial abuse consists of actions that limit access to finances with the intent to control the victim. Hiding money (either physically or hiding access to bank accounts, for instance) to keep the victim from having a way out of the situation is a common form of financial abuse.
Isolation is a form of control that is considered abuse as well. Controlling what someone does, who they speak to, or where they go in order to keep them from their support systems is a form of abuse as well.
Elder abuse is the neglect of a person 65 or older and can involve physical, emotional, or financial abuse and exploitation.
Domestic sexual abuse occurs when the abuser forces or demands sexual acts of their partner against their will. Incest or rape is also included in this category to cover the abuse of children.
Stalking is also another category of domestic violence and consists of repeated harassment or threatening of an individual, causing emotional distress. This can be communicated through email or text or by showing up at a workplace or a home unwanted and refusing to stop.
Understanding Your Rights in Domestic Violence Cases
Domestic violence cases can be complex and emotionally challenging. It’s important to understand your rights and the legal options available to you. Our team of experienced Massachusetts domestic violence lawyers at O’Connor Family Law is dedicated to providing support and guidance to individuals facing domestic violence situations.
Some important aspects to consider in domestic violence cases include:
- Protective orders and restraining orders
- Child custody and visitation rights
- Legal options for seeking safety and protection
- Resources for counseling and support
It’s crucial to have a trusted and knowledgeable legal advocate by your side to help navigate the legal process and protect your rights. If you or someone you know is in need of legal assistance in a domestic violence situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to O’Connor Family Law for compassionate and effective representation.