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GMDVP Client Services
The Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project offers an extensive range of services for individuals, from those who want more information to those who feel they need to leave an abusive relationship. Key client services are:
Someone To Talk With
Sometimes your relationships may feel great. At other times, it may not feel so good. Navigating through an abusive relationship isn’t easy. There are a lot of questions and it can be confusing. Perhaps, you are not experiencing a physically abusive relationship, but you are uncomfortable with some of your boyfriend’s or partner’s behavior. Maybe you want to talk to someone about it, but feel uncomfortable or embarrassed speaking about it with friends. It is normal to feel a wide range of emotions and to question yourself, your partner’s behavior and/or you relationship.
Safety Planning
When the abuse and fighting escalates and becomes dangerous, we can suggest options to help you plan and make safer choices. Creating a safety plan (See /Safety Planning/) helps minimize harm and risk. There are things you can do such as keeping important papers (bank account information, your passport and birth certificate) someplace safe in case you need to leave in an emergency. You can also let a close friend know what is going on, in case you need help in an emergency. Safety planning helps you think about your future and how and when to possibly involve family, friends and the police.
Crisis Intervention
Taking that first step can be difficult. There are many things to consider, such as healthcare, financial commitments, going to work, pets, family and friends. The process of separating in an emergency may feel overwhelming and perhaps too much of a burden for friends and family. We can help. You can call us from an emergency room, police station, a payphone or a friend’s home – anyplace where it would be safe to talk.
Emergency Shelter and Housing Advocacy
If you are ready to leave and have no place to go, emergency transitional housing may be available. We operate a network of safe homes in Massachusetts. The location of our safe homes is completely confidential. While staying with us, we will work with you to find more permanent shelter or assist in relocation. If you are relocating and need to secure new employment, we can help you build your resume and stay organized throughout the process. Additionally, you may be eligible for GMDVP’s first/last month rent program which provides cash assistance to survivors to help them secure long-term housing.
Legal Advocacy
One of the most difficult challenges you may face is deciding how and when to get a restraining order or a no-abuse order (See /Restraining Orders/). A restraining order may not protect you in every situation and sometimes may provoke your partner to be more abusive.
Working with the police (See /Working with the Police/), courts and attorneys can be complex. If you decide you want to pursue a restraining order, we can meet you at the courthouse, help guide you through the process and answer questions about your rights and options. If you need an attorney or defense lawyer, we can help you may qualify for legal assistance with the GLBT attorney Program.
Information and Referrals
We work regularly with an extensive network of service providers and organizations and we can help you get connected to services, such as HIV support, healthcare, doctors and health insurance, mental health services, detox, AA meetings, welfare and financial assistance.
Contact Client Services
E-mail Client Services
Toll Free Telephone: 1-800-832-1901
E-mail address: cs@gmdvp.org
Mailing Address:
Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project
955 Massachusetts Ave., PMB 131
Cambridge, MA 02139-3180