Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is any of the following behaviors: physical, sexual, economic and emotional abuse, alone or in combination, by an intimate partner often for the purpose of establishing or maintaining power and control over the other partner. The HUPD takes reports of domestic violence very seriously and each report will be investigated fully. In any domestic violence situation, the safety of the victim and any involved children is paramount.

Domestic violence occurs in heterosexual relationships, as well as in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender relationships. Whether the victim is male or female, violence of any kind in relationships is unacceptable. Domestic violence affects people from every age, racial or ethnic background, religious group, neighborhood, and income level.

If you are a victim of abuse and need treatment or referral, call SafeLink, a Massachusetts statewide multilingual, 24-hour service hotline at 877-785-2020. For more resources on domestic violence please visit the HUPD website at www.hupd.harvard.edu/domestic_violence.php, the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (OSAPR) at 617-495-9100 (24 hours), the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance at www.state.ma.us/mova, Jane Doe Inc. at www.janedoe.org, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at www.ndvh.org.

If you are in immediate danger and need help, call the HUPD at 617-495-1212.