Domestic Violence Information and Resources

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence (also called intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic abuse or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.

Domestic violence does not discriminate. Anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender can be a victim – or perpetrator – of domestic violence. It can happen to people who are married, living together or who are dating. It affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.

Domestic violence includes behaviors that physically harm, arouse fear, prevent a partner from doing what they wish or force them to behave in ways they do not want. It includes the use of physical and sexual violence, threats and intimidation, emotional abuse and economic deprivation. Many of these different forms of domestic violence/abuse can be occurring at any one time within the same intimate relationship.

Domestic Violence Resource Phone Web
Alternative House of Lowell (888) 291.6228

Asian Task Force Against
Domestic Violence
(Greater Boston /  Lowell)
(617) 338.2350 Website
Battered Woman’s
Resources Inc.
(877) 342.9355  
Casa Myrna of Boston
(Jamaica Plain)
(877) 785.2020 Website
Elizabeth Stone House
of Boston
(617) 427.9801 Website
GLBTQ Domestic Violence
Project of Cambridge
(616) 354.6056 Website
HarborCOV of Chelsea (617) 884.9799 Website
HAWC Salem (978) 744.4841 Website
Healing Abuse
Working for Change
(978) 681.4960 Website
Jane Doe Inc. (877) 785.2020 Website
Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center
of Newburyport

(978) 388.1888 Website
Lazarus House (Lawrence) (978) 689.8575 Website
RESPOND of Somerville

(617) 623.5900 Website
The Safing Center

(781) 687.3998 Website
SELAH at New England

(603) 952.8101 Website
Supportive Care Inc. (978) 686.1300 Website
Transition House
of Cambridge
(617) 661.7203 Website
Waltham Support Committee
for Battered Women
(781) 891.0724 Website
YWCA
Lawrence and Haverhill
(978) 687.0331 or
(978) 682.3039
Website