Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Massachusetts Domestic Abuse Resources

Increased Domestic Abuse during the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) crisis is a concern and support groups and the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court are available to those in need.

According to CNN Boston had a 22% jump in domestic assault and battery reports between March 2019 and March 2020. Boston is not alone in this increase. Many major U.S. cities are citing increases in violence and connect this, in part, to Covid-19 and the stay-at-home orders.

Although Massachusetts stay-at-home orders were put into place to keep everyone safe during the pandemic, it has caused great strain on many relationships and increased domestic abuse.

Prior to Covid-19, many people experiencing domestic abuse were able to escape the abuse, even for a brief period, through employment, running errands or finding any reason to stay away from their live-in abuser. These brief periods of respite for victims also allowed them to seek support or leave their abuser. The Massachusetts stay at home order for non-essential workers has limited the ability of the abused to seek relief or help. There are resources available to those finding themselves in abusive situations.

The following is a list of resources available to help victims of domestic abuse:

1. Massachusetts Trial Courts- The court is open and still hearing cases on an emergency basis both via teleconference and in person. If you are a victim of abuse and require a protection order, contact a local attorney to help obtain a restraining order (209A).
2. Mass.gov lists safety and support pamphlets that are county specific allowing persons to seek aid. 
3. National and local 1-800 numbers are always available to provide support. Many programs also offer text messaging or social media access in case calling is not an option at this time: 
   • National Domestic Violence Hotline – Phone: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522; 
   • Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 74741;
   • Jane Doe, Inc., – Phone: 617-248-0922, or via email at info@janedoe.org; 
   • SafeLink Statewide Hotline: 1-877-521-2601;
   • CrimeStoppers Tip Line – Anonymous reports can be made via phone 1-800-494-TIPS or Text TIP to CRIME(27463);  
4. We have dedicated a portion of our legal articles to information on domestic violence. Click here for a list of Articles regarding the intersection of domestic violence and divorce.