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STATE SPONSORED RESOURCES

A variety of victim services are sponsored by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and provided through the County District Attorneys’ Offices.

Two services for survivors of domestic violence are SAFEPLAN Advocates and Victim Witness Advocates. These programs offer trained and certified advocates who provide court advocacy and supportive services for survivors who are seeking intervention and protection through the court system. Both programs are housed in the district attorney’s office in most local courts and both are free of charge.

Although these programs are similar in some ways, they do provide different services as detailed below. SAFEPLAN Advocates primarily assist survivors with advocacy surrounding the restraining order process. They are employed by community-based domestic violence programs but housed in the court. Victim Witness Advocates are employees of district attorneys’ offices who provide court-based services to crime victims during criminal proceedings.

SAFEPLAN Advocates
(SafePlan is a growing new program and, as of yet, is not available in all counties)

SAFEPLAN Advocates offer the following services to survivors of domestic violence:

  • Risk and needs assessments
  • Information to enable survivors explore their legal rights and options in civil and criminal court proceedings
  • Assistance with restraining order paperwork
  • Information about restraining orders
  • Safety planning
  • Explanation of the court process and the restraining order law
  • Information and education about domestic violence
  • Resource referrals
  • In-court advocacy

For more information about SAFEPLAN: www.mass.gov/mova/page85.html

Victim Witness Advocates

The Victim Witness Advocates provide information, support and assistance to crime victims, witnesses and family members. Victim Witness Advocates are employees of the County District Attorney’s office and are located in each of the district courts, as well as the Boston Municipal Court, the superior court and in specialized units. Victim Witness Advocates may provide the following rights and services:

  • Crisis intervention and emotional support
  • Planning and assistance for safety and protection, including applying for restraining orders
  • Referrals for medical, legal, and financial assistance and for counseling and other social services
  • Explanation of the court process and ongoing information regarding the status of criminal cases
  • Orientation to court facilities; provision of a separate and safe waiting area in the courthouse; and accompaniment and support during court proceedings
  • Assistance with restitution, witness fees, and filing Victim of Violent Crime Compensation claims
  • Assistance with property return and intervention with employers and creditors
  • Arranging for victims to confer and provide input to prosecutors before trial, about a sentencing recommendation, before a case is dismissed, and before hearings about a victim’s confidential records
  • Assistance in offering Victim Impact Statements to the court
  • Assistance with applying for notification of an inmate’s status
  • Assistance with arrangements for transportation to court and child care, if necessary
  • Specialized services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, gang and juvenile violence, child victims and witnesses, elderly and disabled victims, and survivors of homicide and motor vehicle homicide victims

For more information, check the individual county District Attorney’s Website.

Other Victim Services

The individual County District Attorney’s Office may provide a range of services for victims, some of which may be related to domestic violence. These services may include help for:

  • Victims of identity theft
  • Victims with disabilities
  • Elderly victims
  • Sexual assault victims
  • Survivors of homicide victims

Check with the local county District Attorney’s Office for more information about victim services.