ATASK is a nonprofit, community organization serving pan-Asian survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence. Their mission is to prevent domestic and intimate partner violence in Asian families and communities and to provide hope to survivors. ATASK is committed to serving survivors of domestic violence representing all ages, ability levels, education levels, race, national origin, cultures, religions, gender identities, and sexual orientations.
Multilingual Helpline available 24/7
ATASK advocated available Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm, if follow up is needed.
Other Locations:Lowell, MA
Transportation Google MapsThe CVPR works to improve the health and well-being of people impacted by multiple forms of violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, community violence, and homicide by providing trauma-informed services and programs.
All of CVPR’s direct service programs are:
The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center provides free, confidential support and services to survivors of sexual violence ages 12 and up and their families and friends. They work with survivors of all genders from the immediate crisis after sexual violence to years and decades later, and their goal is to empower survivors to heal and seek justice in ways that are meaningful to them. They assist survivors as they navigate the health-care, criminal justice, social service, and school systems.
Services include the following:
*Hotline: by phone 24-7 at 800-841-8371 and webchat at barcc.org/chat
*24-7 Medical Advocacy
*Case Management (assistance with housing, health care, and more)
*Individual and Group Counseling
*Legal Advocacy, including immigration services
Services in English and Spanish, with other languages upon request.
Service hours:Hotline and medical advocacy: 24-7
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Family Justice Center
989 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Waltham Office:
24 Crescent Street, Suite 202
Waltham, MA 02453
Anyone 12 years or older welcome.
Languages: Services in English and Spanish, with other languages upon request Transportation Google MapsThe Women’s Center offers extensive FREE services to women. They provide direct services in a number of areas and will help point women to other local programs if needed. They have a wide array of support groups, classes, and workshops, and two computer labs in a large comfortable house. Pre-COVID women and their children could come in 10am-8pm weekdays and 10am-3pm Saturdays. They could use a phone, the kitchen, which includes food donations, a library, and more. They offer an extensive information, resources, and referral system, as well as provide crisis intervention and peer support counseling for women in crisis though a Helpline and in-person at the Center. The population using the center is very diverse, and includes many experiencing homelessness, women of color, trauma survivors, of different ages and backgrounds. Participant’s confidentiality is respected and they are not subjected to intake questioning.
Currently, drop-in hours are restricted and are on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Offerings include:
Check the website for the specific hours
Service hours:Currently open 3-8pm Tuesdays, and noon-5pm Thursdays and Saturdays. Check website for current hours.
The helpline is currently closed.
The Cambridge Women’s Center is a physical and digital community space open to anyone for whom woman is a meaningful identifier or lived experience. It is also open to children (including boys up to 14 years accompanied by mother or caretaker).
Participants are signed in at the front door (front name or pseudonym). There is no formal intake process, and no personal information is required or requested.
Languages: English; volunteers speak other languages as well, and there is a free Spanish/English Conversation Exchange Zoom group 1-2:30pm on Wednesdays. Transportation Google MapsCasa Myrna is Boston’s largest provider of domestic violence awareness efforts and of shelter and supportive services to survivors. Their comprehensive range of services, available in both Spanish and English, provide survivors with tools to recover from the trauma of abuse and begin to build sustainable self-sufficiency.
Free Supports for Survivors
Supportive services are available by appointment during standard office hours.
Hotline is 24/7
Languages: English, Spanish Transportation Google MapsDe Novo provides free civil legal assistance and affordable psychological counseling to low-income people. Their services combat the effects of poverty and violence by helping clients and their children meet basic human needs for safety, income, health and housing.
De Novo provides high-quality, free civil legal assistance to low-income people living in Greater Boston, and to immigrants and refugees statewide. They offer legal assistance in the areas of housing and homelessness prevention, family law/domestic violence, immigrant and refugee rights, and disability benefits.
De Novo offers free legal services to victims of crime regardless of their income.
They also provide counseling services.
To request legal assistance, contact their Intake and Referral Line at (617) 661-1010 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday
Transportation Google MapsDOVE is a multi-service organization providing comprehensive direct services and support for victims of dating and domestic violence, as well as their children. DOVE’s services include crisis intervention, danger assessment and safety planning, supportive counseling, emergency shelter, legal advocacy and representation, and community outreach, education, and training.
Programs & Services Include:
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Crisis hotline: 24/7
The Elizabeth Stone House partners with adult and child survivors of domestic violence and related trauma – mental illness, housing instability, and substance misuse – to achieve safety, stability, and overall wellbeing.
Service offerings include:
COVID-19 Update: The Elizabeth Stone House building is not open to non-residents, but staff are still available to assist individuals via phone.
Languages: SpanishEmerge is a group counseling and education program for men and women who are abusive in intimate partner relationships. Emerge sees clients who have been abusive in heterosexual and same-sex relationships. All programs satisfy court/probation and DCF requirements.
Due to concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19, Emerge has moved ALL ongoing groups to a video platform.
Other Locations:Spanish groups are held at Curtis Hall Community Center, 20 South St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 and virtually.
Requirements & Restrictions:Group members must admit to having been physically, emotionally, verbally, economically, or sexually abusive to a partner in an intimate relationship for the Abuser Intervention Program.
Languages: English, Spanish for Abuser Education, Anger Management, and Fatherhood programs. Transportation Google MapsEmergencies are directed to an advocate all day. If there is a very high volume of calls, you may be on hold for a period of time, but someone will eventually answer the call.
For help with criminal and juvenile record sealing, expungement & CORI problems: Email cori@gbls.org or leave a message with your name, address and phone number at 617-603-1797 (please call between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday)
GBLS does not handle criminal cases. It provides free legal representation and legal advice to low-income individuals and families in civil cases. GBLS also engages in systemic litigation, class actions, and legislative advocacy on behalf of its clients.
Major areas related to CORI and low-income people trying to transition to the workforce include:
CORI & Re-entry Project: GBLS is a statewide leader on legal issues related to CORI and the only legal services program focused on legal representation of clients in court on CORI issues and legal advice on criminal record sealing, expungement, appeals of denials of CORI sealing petitions, juvenile record sealing problems, professional licensing problems, CORI barriers and discrimination related to jobs and other opportunities, including EEOC or other CORI law violations; and CORI systemic initiatives related to implementation of CORI laws or new legislation. The Project provides community legal education focused primarily on Dorchester and Roxbury. In addition to help with CORI, GBLS has units that help low income people with other kinds of legal issues. See more information here.
Low-Wage Workers:
Appeal Unemployment Insurance (UI) denials; fight wage theft; access paid family & medical leave; sick leave; apply for U & T visas & deferred action for immigrant survivors of workplace crimes and labor trafficking
People Who Need Healthcare or Disability Benefits:
Medicare and MassHealth advocacy; help for people who have been denied SSI/SSDI; advocate for children with disabilities and mental health needs; protect nursing home residents
People With Housing Problems:
Prevent unfair evictions and loss of housing subsidies; preserve affordable housing for low-income tenants; help families access Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter
Other areas of legal practice include:
Asian Outreach Center
Provide legal assistance, resources, and advocacy on behalf of Asian immigrants and community groups for immigration issues, workers’ rights, benefits, and housing displacement
Consumers
Help people who have money trouble, including credit card and other debt, foreclosures, bankruptcies, and having money unfairly taken from their paycheck
Survivors of Domestic Violence
Help survivors of domestic violence to escape abusive relationships and start new lives with their children
Elders
Help elders access health care and life-saving medical treatments; help elders who live in income-based housing stay in their homes
Immigrants
Seek humanitarian immigration relief for asylum seekers, victims of crime, survivors of domestic violence, unaccompanied children, and other immigrants seeking protection
People Applying for Government Benefits
Ensure access to Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) TAFDC and EAEDC cash benefits and SNAP food benefits, and childcare benefits
Low-Income Taxpayers
Resolve tax issues including problems with tax credits and other refunds, audits, tax-related ID theft, inability to pay taxes owed, tax debts arising from an abusive spouse, worker misclassification, help with IRS/DOR notices, getting Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN), and represent in Tax Court
To find out more about GBLS’ current services and how to access them, go to https://www.gbls.org/accessing-services.
GBLS also represents community groups and provides community legal education and legislative advocacy for clients.
Service hours:Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
People who have not yet done intake are asked to call during the following times if it is not an emergency. To find out if GBLS can help you, call our intake line at (617) 371-1234 Monday through Friday, 9:30AM-12:30PM.
Other Locations:Cambridge/Somerville Office
60 Gore St., Suite 203, Cambridge, MA 02141, 617-603-2700
Roxbury Courthouse
85 Warren St. Roxbury, MA
Walk-in clinics on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 9:00am – 12:00pm will resume after COVID-19 emergency is lifted.
Dorchester Courthouse
410 Washington St. Dorchester, MA
Walk-in clinics on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 9:00am – 12:00pm will resume after COVID-19 emergency is lifted
Agency serves residents of Boston and 46 surrounding cities and towns, mostly within Route 128. Complete listing of geographic areas served is on the website. Income limitations (usually restricted to persons with incomes less than 125% of federal poverty guidelines) are applicable, with the exception of elderly clients and Medicare beneficiaries who are not subject to the income guidelines.
Waiting time: Varies depending on volume. Languages: Interpreters are available for non-English speakers. Transportation Google MapsThe Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) assists and empowers low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one in eight residents of the Commonwealth with direct economic assistance (cash benefits) and food assistance (SNAP benefits), as well as workforce training opportunities
In addition to food and cash benefits, DTA offers other services to help you meet your basic needs and achieve economic mobility.
Services include:
DTA Assistance Line: Mon. - Fri. 8:15am - 4:45pm
Other Locations:You can find locations at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-transitional-assistance/locations?_page=2#
Transportation Google Maps24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse (available via phone, text, and live chat on the website)
Contacts to The Hotline can expect highly-trained, expert advocates to offer free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education, and referral services in over 200 languages.
Advocates attend extensive training sessions to prepare for crisis intervention support, safety planning, education, advocacy, and referrals for survivors; they also undergo training to support friends, family members, and others concerned about loved ones experiencing situations of abuse.
Service hours:
Hotline and chat are 24/7.
Languages: Bilingual advocates are on hand to speak with callers, and the Language Line offers translations in 170+ different languages.Assistance with: Food, Clothing, Housing, Referral Services, Transportation to and from doctor appointments, In home care for the elderly and Veterans, Pampers and Housing Supplies for those moving in a new apartment.
Service hours:Mon-Fri: 8:30am - 6pm
Requirements & Restrictions:Clients must fill out an application for their services. Verification of homelessness or need will be requested, verification of identity, proof of income and proof of residency.
Waiting time: Allow 14 business days for non-emergency requests Languages: English, Spanish, Haitian CreoleOn The Rise is a day program for women and trans/nonbinary individuals currently experiencing or recovering from homeless. We provide tangible, day-to-day essentials in our Safe Haven, including showers, breakfast and lunch, mail, toiletries, computers, a nap room, and more. Our team of Advocates work closely with people on a wide variety of issues, ranging from employment, substance use, mental health, physical health, moving logistics, applying for housing, legal issues/court, and more. For those with the fewest options, we cultivate long-term relationships that foster safety and belonging. Guided by the strength and initiative of our program participants, we join their journey to wellbeing, as skilled partners and advocates.
Service hours:Monday, Wednesday - Friday: 8:30am-3:30pm
Tuesday: 12pm-3:30pm
If you have not visited them or used their services before, they ask that you complete a low-threshold intake with one of their Advocates. There is no formal referral process to engage with their program.
Languages: English, Spanish, Haitian Creole Transportation Google MapsProvides inclusive and fully accessible services to those whose lives have been impacted by sexual violence along with education geared toward ending sexual violence, across Central Massachusetts.
Rape and Sexual Assault Hotline is open 24/7.
REACH comes at the issues and complexity of domestic violence from several directions simultaneously. They provide a variety of free and confidential supportive direct services for anyone experiencing domestic violence. You do not need to leave a relationship in order to receive help from REACH.
If you are interested in learning more about their services, please give them a call at 781-891-0724. If this is an emergency, please call their hotline at 800-899-4000.
24/7
Waiting time: The hotline is 24/7 and individual advocacy services are available by appointment during business hours (M-F, 9-5) Languages: Most services can be provided in English and Spanish. The Language Line is used when someone speaks another language than those two.RESPOND provides emergency shelter and a range of support services and educational programs to thousands of survivors of domestic violence each year including adults, children, and teens regardless of gender, race, religion, age, or other characteristics. RESPOND staff work with survivors of domestic violence to address their immediate and long-term needs, providing emotional support, counseling, financial resources, information, and referrals. Through RESPOND’s programs, individuals and families in crisis develop the concrete tools necessary to regain control of their own lives – from parenting skills and housing search to financial literacy, and the hands-on experience of advocating for themselves. Services are free, confidential, and currently offered in multiple languages.
RESPOND’s Supportive Services are available to all victims and survivors of domestic violence. They include:
RESPOND’s emergency shelter location is kept confidential to ensure the safety of program participants. Services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. RESPOND’s shelter is wheelchair accessible, and ADA approved. Its spacious Children’s Learning Center offers a safe, colorful play space and programs that promote learning, encourage parental involvement, and connect children and teens to local in- and out-of-school enrichment activities. The average length of stay for residents is 4 months. RESPOND is proud to accept women and men (or any gender identity) into shelter as well as parents with teenage boys – a rarity in Massachusetts.
Service hours:Business office hours: Monday- Friday, 9am-5pm
Support and Intake Line: Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm; At all other times, callers can be connected to state and federal hotlines.
S.A.F.E.R. Program Suffolk County House of Correction at 20 Bradston St Boston, MA, 02118
Waiting time: None Languages: English, Spanish, Amharic, Portuguese, Haitian Creole,SafeLink is Massachusetts’ statewide 24/7 toll-free domestic violence hotline and a resource for anyone affected by domestic or dating violence. Each call is answered by a trained advocate who provides non-judgemental support, assistance with safety planning, and information on appropriate resources.
Service hours:
24/7
Languages: Advocates are bilingual in English and Spanish and have access to a service that can provide translation in more than 130 languagesThe Network provides a variety of services for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community experiencing partner abuse. The organization also provides assistance and referrals to LGBT community members. The web site is in English and Spanish, is kept up-to-date, and has information helpful to the LGBT community.
During both phases, participants can receive a wide range of services, such as advocacy, referrals, supportive counseling, and support group
Hotline is 24/7
Requirements & Restrictions:Target population is battered members of LBT (lesbian, bisexual, and transgender) communities. Will also assist and provide referrals for gay and bisexual men.
Languages: Spanish, English Transportation Google MapsLegal assistance is provided in the following civil law areas:
Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability representation for disabled clients
Estate Planning: Estate planning and probate, guardianship, debt counseling and private insurance cases for low- and middle-income individuals. This service is only provided for veterans.
Family Law: Divorce, Domestic Violence, Paternity, Child & Spousal Support, Adoption, Guardianship, Guardian ad Litem court appointments and English/Spanish Pro Se Divorce Clinics
Federal Tax Unit: The Federal Tax Unit provides free legal representation to clients in tax controversies with the IRS. The Unit works on a wide variety of matters, including family tax issues (e.g., earned income tax credit, child tax credit, and dependency exemptions), tax debt/collection cases (offers in compromise and installment payment agreements), injured and innocent spouse claims, and audit reconsiderations. Their work on behalf of taxpayers involves, among other things, requesting audit reconsideration, representing clients at IRS Appeals conferences, drafting and submitting advocacy letters to IRS Appeals, preparing and submitting innocent and injured spouse claims and offers in compromise, and representing clients before the U.S. Tax Court.
Housing Law: Eviction Defense due to foreclosure
Veteran’s Issues: Veterans Benefits (service-connected disability, pension, and other programs from the VA), Veterans’ Services benefits (from Massachusetts cities and towns), other public benefit programs, discharge upgrades and designated civil matters
Services are limited due to staff availability.
LGBTQ+ Advocacy: The LGBTQ+ Advocacy Clinic works with community members, advocates, non-profit organizations, educators, medical professionals, and governmental entities to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ people at both the national and local levels. The Clinic engages in impact litigation, policy advocacy, and direct representation on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community, with a particular focus on issues affecting underrepresented groups within the LGBTQ+ umbrella.
Service hours:
M - F: 9am - 5pm; Intake hours vary - please call.
Requirements & Restrictions:Suffolk County residents only. No criminal issues are handled.
Languages: Spanish-speaking interpreter and staff available.