Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence

We must fight the devastating effects of domestic violence with the full strength of the law and the outcry of the community.

Together we will send the strong and unwavering message that there is ZERO TOLERANCE for Domestic Violence.

Developed by the Springfield Police Department Special Victims Unit Milta Vargas, Domestic Violence Coordinator/Administrator

Domestic Abuse is a pattern of controlling and coercive behavior which can involve physical, sexual, financial, emotional and psychological abuse. It affects people who are married, divorced, living together, dating or in a gay or lesbian relationship, and people from all social, economic, racial, religious and ethnic groups. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence.

How do I know if I am or have been abused?

Perhaps you haven’t been seriously injured or you may not have been hit at all. Domestic abuse is more than physical violence. If your partner does things that make you afraid and isolates you from family or friends, you may the victim of abuse. The following check list can help you determine if you or someone you know is being abused.

Does Your Partner

  • Constantly criticize you and your abilities as a spouse or partner, parent or employee?
  • Behave in an overprotective way or become extremely jealous?
  • Threaten to hurt you, your children, pets, family members, friends or themselves?
  • Prevent you from seeing family or friends? Make them feel unwelcome?
  • Become suddenly angry or lose their temper?
  • Deny you access to family resources such as bank accounts and ATM cards, credit cards, car, or force you to account for what you spend?
  • Destroy personal property including your personal papers and memorabilia?
  • Intimidate or manipulate you or your children?
  • Hit, punch, slap, kick, shove, pull your hair or bite you?
  • Prevent you from going where you want to when you want to?
  • Force/coerce you into sex that makes you uncomfortable, embarrassed or ashamed?
  • Humiliate, put you down, or embarrass you in front of others?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may be in an unhealthy relationship and may not be safe. You are not alone, millions of people are abused by their partners each year. You deserve to get help that is available. Support from domestic violence programs, family and friends, the legal system, and social and medical services as well as police departments can help you find ways to feel safe.

What Services Are Available?

You don’t have to stay in a shelter to get help from a domestic violence program. There are  domestic violence specialists at the Department of Children and Families (DCF), and the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). There are advocates in the hospitals and clinics who can help you with issues regarding domestic violence. There are advocates in both District court and Probate and Family court. The police department has domestic violence and sexual assault victim advocates available to assist you with services through referral as well. Listed below are some resources and services.

Shelters and/or Safe Havens

Shelters and/or safe havens offer a safe place to stay where you can learn about available options and develop a safety plan. If you have children, they can stay with you in this safe environment. The location is often kept secret for the protection of the survivors, children and staff.

Don’t hesitate to call or write Milta Vargas if you have any further questions or need for support at 735-1519, or any of the other advocates at 735-1510.

Helpful Tips

Chapter 209A, the Massachusetts Abuse Prevention Act, defines abuse as:

    • actual physical abuse, or
    • an attempt to harm another, or
    • placing another in fear of serious physical harm, or
    • causing another to engage in sexual relations by force, threat of force or duress

An Abuse Prevention Order (called a "209A Order," "protective order," or "restraining order") is a civil court order intended to provide protection from physical or sexual harm caused by force or threat of harm from a family or household member. You can obtain an order against:

    • a spouse or former spouse
    • a present or former household member
    • a relative by blood or a present or former relative by marriage
    • the parent of your minor child
    • a person with whom you have or had a substantial dating relationship

A 209A Order can be obtained in any District Court, Superior Court, or Probate and Family Court in Massachusetts. An emergency 209A Order can be obtained through any police department after court hours or on weekends and holidays. You do not need a lawyer or a police report to file for a 209A Order and there is no charge for filing.

Should you decide to go to a District Court for a 209A Order, you may go to the District Court in the area where you live or, if you have fled to another area to avoid abuse, you may go to the District Court in the area where you live now. You will receive a packet of forms to complete as an application for a protective order.  There are advocates available to assist you.  (In Springfield, you can go to the second floor of the District Court at 50 State Street.)

A Victim/Witness Advocate from the District Attorney's Office is also usually available for assistance and to discuss the option of filing criminal charges against the person who has harmed you. Ask someone at the clerk's office to direct you to the District Attorney's Victim/ Witness Office for help. You do not have to file criminal charges in order to obtain a 209A Order. However, criminal charges can be helpful in holding a the person responsible for criminal acts committed against you. If there is a criminal violation, the Court can also require the person to obtain counseling or other treatment.

On the application or complaint forms for a 209A order, you need to make a sworn statement (affidavit) describing the facts of any recent or past incidents of abuse. It is important to provide as much information as possible about the person who has harmed you. You must also disclose any other existing 209A Orders from any court or any Probate Court action you are involved in, including any divorce or child custody proceedings.

You may request the judge to order that the person:

    • stop or refrain from hurting you
    • have no contact with you or a child in your custody
    • vacate or move out of the house or apartment where you live

You may also request the judge to order that you receive support and temporary custody of your children if the abuser has a legal duty to support or shares custody. You may request payment for medical costs incurred due to injuries caused by the abuser and related loss of wages. You may ask that the abuser not contact you at work or at a relative's home and that your new address be kept confidential from the abuser for your safety.

A 209A Order from a District Court can provide you with temporary support and custody of your minor children. Only the Probate and Family Court , however, can decide child visitation rights. A 209A Order from that court may be more helpful in dealing with abuse protection that also involves divorce, long term financial support, child custody and visitation issues. You may want to speak with a private attorney for Probate Court or call a legal service or victim's service for an attorney referral list. Pro bono (free) or reduced fee legal services may be available.

After you have completed the 209A complaint or application forms, return them to the Clerk's Office and ask when the judge will hear the applications for protective orders. The Clerk's Office will tell you the time and courtroom location for your hearing.

At your hearing, the judge will ask why you need a protective order and will review your complaint or application forms and affidavit. The judge will be deciding whether it appears there is a substantial likelihood of immediate danger of abuse. He or she will probably ask you some clarifying questions. In some courts, a "209A Briefing Session " is held before the hearing and a Court Advocate or a District Attorney's Victim/Witness Advocate will explain the hearing process and be with you in the courtroom.

The judge may grant or deny the 209A Order after speaking with you. If the judge grants the Order, you will receive a Temporary Order for up to 10 days. A court date will be scheduled within 10 court days for you to return to court for a Permanent Order, which lasts for a year and can be renewed. Keep your copy of the Order with you at all times. The judge will also order the abuser to surrender all guns and gun permits he or she possesses.

The police will deliver (serve) a copy of the Order to your abuser and will keep a copy on file at the police station. It is important to provide the abuser's home, work, or other likely addresses so that the police can serve the Order as quickly as possible and provide the required notice of the next court date.

A violation of certain terms of a 209A Order (orders to vacate the premises, refrain from abuse and have no contact with you) requires that the police arrest your abuser.

A violation of a 209A Order, once the abuser has notice of the Order, is a criminal offense.

The Ten Day Hearing requires that you return to the court on the date given on the Order. If you do not return to court, the Order will not be in effect after that date. The hearing offers the chance for both parties, you and the abuser, to come before the judge and offer information (evidence) as to why a permanent 209A Order, which lasts for one year, should or should not be granted. Bring any hospital records, photographs or police reports you may have for the judge to review. You may also bring a support person with you. The abuser may be present at the ten day hearing and may oppose the 209A Order . If the abuser is not present and has been served with the Order, the judge can still grant the Order for one year period.

If a 209A Order is issued by the judge for a year, you must return to the court for an extension of the Order at the end of that year or the Order will expire.

Any changes in the Order before that date must be made with both you and the abuser appearing in the same court where the Order was first given. A request to change or amend the Order can be made at the Clerk's Office, and a hearing will be arranged before a judge.

A minor under 18 years old can obtain a 209A Order with some restrictions. Generally, a parent or guardian needs to be present, but the judge can decide to issue a 209A Order without a parent present if the minor appears to be in danger. In some cases, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) may offer assistance in gaining help for a minor. Many high schools and colleges also offer support groups for students in violent relationships. A parent may also obtain a protective order for his or her child.

Once a 209A Order is issued, violation of certain terms of the Order is a criminal offense. Violations of orders to refrain from abuse, to have no contact, and to vacate a household, multiple family dwelling or workplace, can be prosecuted criminally under chapter 209A. If they violate the order, call the police immediately. Show the Order to the police and explain how it was violated (a punch, slap, threat; entering your house or apartment or refusing to vacate; or, any contact with you at home or your workplace, either in person, by telephone or mail). The police must arrest the person if they believe or can see that the terms of the Order were violated. If you do not call the police, you may be able to file an application for a criminal complaint on your own at the Clerk's Office in the District Court. A Victim/Witness Advocate can assist you with that process.

If you put yourself in contact with the person who has caused you harm, they are vulnerable to arrest. Therefore, if you want any terms of the order to no longer apply, you should return to court and ask that the order be modified or vacated.

If the person is arrested, seek assistance from the Victim/Witness Advocate in the District Attorney's Office the next morning after a nighttime arrest, or at any time during the day at the courthouse. A Victim/Witness Advocate will explain what the charges mean and what will happen next. The Advocate will also offer ongoing information, referral for services and case updates throughout the time the case is in court.

In addition to the crime of violating a 209A Order, a person can be charged with a number of other crimes committed at or near the time of the violation, some of which may include:

    • Assault (M.G.L. c. 265, Section 13A), which is an attempt or offer to do bodily injury by force or violence or attempt to batter
    • Assault and Battery (M.G.L. c. 265, Section 13A), which is a harmful or unpermitted touching of another, no matter how slight, without a legal right to do so
    • Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (M.G.L. c. 265, Section 15), which is a battery with a dangerous weapon, such as a baseball bat, a shod foot, a knife or other object either inherently dangerous or used in a way that may cause serious injury or death to another
    • Threats (M.G.L. c. 27, section 4), which are verbal or written threats to do harm which a victim reasonably believes the abuser can commit
    • Trespassing (M.G.L. c. 266, section 120), which is entering or remaining in a house or on land in violation of a 209A Order
    • Malicious Destruction Of Personal Property (M.G.L. c. 266, section 127), which is the destruction of or injury to personal property, a house or building in a manner that is willful and malicious
    • Stalking (M.G.L. c. 265, section, 43 (a)), which is the willful, malicious and repeated following or harassing of an individual and the making of threats with the intent to place that person in imminent fear of death or serious bodily injury. The penalties are greater for a conviction of a stalking crime committed in violation of a 209A Order.

Once a criminal complaint has been issued or an arrest made, the person will be charged with the crime or crimes at an arraignment proceeding in the District Court. A bail hearing will be held to determine whether the defendant/abuser will be released from custody. The court must make a reasonable effort to notify you of the release, even if you are not present in court.

It is important to provide information to the Assistant District Attorney before the arraignment and bail hearing regarding the history of the abuse and a description of the most recent abuse, including any pictures or hospital records of injuries. You should also mention the location of any guns or other weapons that you believe the person has in his or her possession.

The Assistant District Attorney will bring this information to the attention of the judge, along with your safety concerns and fears at this time. The judge may also consider whether the defendant should be jailed until trial or, if the defendant is to be released, what the bail and conditions of bail will be.

The Assistant District Attorney represents the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in prosecuting the case, and works with the Victim/Witness Advocate to address your interests and assist you during trial.

Interviews will be held with you before the trial, to gather information and evidence for prosecution. Every effort will be made to consider your needs and safety in going forward with the case. The safety of you and your children will also be a priority.

Prosecution may provide the means to gain batterer's intervention services for the defendant/abuser as part of a sentence recommendation. Very few people seek these services on their own without court orders and probation supervision. An Assistant District Attorney will speak with you about different sentences that can be imposed if the defendant is found guilty by a judge or jury or pleads guilty. The sentence asked for may include drug or alcohol counseling, required attendance at a batterer's intervention program, supervised probation and /or jail time.

Certified batterer's intervention programs provide services in very strict group settings to try to help batterers learn to accept responsibility for their violence, as well as understand and change their controlling and abusive behavior.

The groups are led by certified batterer's intervention counselors trained in dealing with domestic violence offenders. The programs work with the courts and victim services to help make sure that partners of batterers remain safe. The programs may involve weekly sessions of 1 to 2 hours in length. The batterer must participate in the program for a minimum of 80 hours. Group leaders feel your safety is a priority concern and will keep ongoing contact with you.

There are no guarantees that the violence will stop because the abuser attends a certified batterer's intervention program. Many abusers drop out of programs or do not comply with the requirements, or only reduce their abuse temporarily. If the judge requires attendance as part of a sentence, dropping out may mean the defendant/abuser may have to serve jail time. The person must want to change the abusive behavior and work hard at making those changes. Promises to change, flowers and apologies are not enough. You deserve to be safe and free from abuse.

Statistically, the most dangerous time for a victim is when they are trying to end the relationship. The person may feel he or she is losing control and become dangerously angry. Take steps to protect yourself from abuse. Please trust your instincts. If you are afraid that something may happen, take your feelings seriously and protect yourself. You know your situation better than anyone else.

    • Develop a safety plan that includes an escape plan for you and your children should a violent incident occur. During an incident, try to move away from an area or room where access to weapons might increase your risk, such as the kitchen or bathrooms, or where you can be trapped or easily injured.
    • Call 911 or leave the house as soon as possible after an abusive incident. The police will respond and stay with you until you are safe or in a safe place. The police will also help you seek medical treatment, if needed. If you feel you may be in danger, dial the police number and hang up before it rings, so that the redial button will automatically call the police if you need them quickly.
    • Be alert when leaving the courthouse. If you have any reason to believe someone may be waiting for you, please ask someone in the District Attorney's Office or Court Advocate to help. A police officer or a court officer may be able to escort you to your car.
    • Guns or weapons will be ordered turned over to the police by the judge, along with any license to carry the guns and Firearms Identification Card. Inform the police of any guns/weapons the abuser may keep in the house.
    • Consider changing the locks on your home. The judge can order the person to turn over the keys to your home and/or your car. Keep an extra set of keys in a safe place.
    • Inform your neighbors if a 209A order is in place. Encourage them to call the police if they see or suspect that something is wrong.
    • Make copies of important papers and keep them in a safe place. Make a list of the things you need to take with you (birth/medical records, marriage license, check/ bank books, credit cards, medications).
    • Keep emergency money and extra clothes for yourself and your children in a safe place or with someone you trust. Include a few toys and favorite things for the children.
    • Keep important telephone numbers in a safe place for emergency shelters. You do not have to leave the relationship or have a 209A Order to attend the support groups or to obtain information and support.
    • Get medical attention as you may be injured much more seriously than you realize. Go to a hospital emergency room or your private doctor as soon as possible for treatment. Ask for a copy of the treatment record.
    • Have pictures taken of your injuries and bruises at the hospital, police department, shelter or District Attorney's Office.