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Newton offers safe portals for victims of domestic violence

By Martina Jackson on October 17, 2023

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month — also known as Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month. In communities nationwide, some people live with the fear that a family member or partner will hurt or even kill them, but they often keep that terrible fear secret from other family members and friends, silenced by fear or shame or both. No community, including Newton, is immune from some form of domestic violence and abuse. In fact, Newton Police Department (NPD) has documented 166 reports of domestic violence this year.

Newton has a broad network of options for people in crisis. Often, the journey to safety begins with a call to NPD because of an argument or disturbance. When police officers arrive at a home or a place where there is a disturbance, they assess the scene and will likely separate the disputants to interview them. It is often during that process that they uncover an abusive situation. According to Lt. Amanda Henrickson, NPD’s Community Services Bureau Commander/Public Information Officer, the officers will determine if any of the people feels insecure or in danger. “Officers are trained to listen and to be aware that there’s more going on,” she explained. She underscored that “safety is our first priority,” for potential victims. “It is important that people understand that the decision to reach out for assistance and/or resources is not always an easy one for victims/survivors. Our Domestic Violence Officer can offer guidance to victims on where to start.” 

Often others – family members, care givers, friends, or neighbors – may call the police about an abusive situation. Victims are often reluctant or unable to go to the police or to reveal that they are in an abusive situation. Lt. Henrickson explained that the officers trained in domestic violence and abuse of seniors and children are assigned to the Community Services Bureau, which is not located at police headquarters. “Based on a victim’s/survivor’s needs, the Domestic Violence Officer may meet someone in a discreet location or use a phone number not associated with the police station.”

Victims of abuse have the option of applying for a restraining order issued by the courts (per MGL. 209A) to keep abusers away from their victims. Newton District Court has a judge on call to issue restraining orders, as well as clerks to help applicants with the paperwork or to help access translations for non-English speaking people. Lt. Henrickson advises anyone asking for a restraining order to first  make a plan for their safety. While restraining orders are a civil action and do not necessarily result in a trial, violations of them are criminal, and defendants can be held without bail for a short period of time. Victims may apply to renew restraining orders if they wish.

Anne Foley, Chief of the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Victim Witness Service Bureau, has staff at both the Middlesex District Court and Superior Court to provide assistance. Her staff offers a range of services during court appearances, including describing the process and answering questions. Ms. Foley noted that the court process can be a long one. The Victim Witness Advocates check on the safety plans for victims and help them secure a safe place to stay and on-going support. “Coming into a courtroom is a daunting experience,” she says, “but the dynamic has changed,” toward focusing on victims’ needs and safety.

Newton’s Department of Health and Human Services has an extensive network of programs and services to help people dealing with abuse. Meghan Kennedy, Newton’s Health and Human Services Social Services Director, emphasizes for her staff and others the importance of developing relationships with people who need services so that they feel comfortable asking for help. She works closely with REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, The Second Step, Newton Wellesley Hospital’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, and Jewish Family and Children’s Services. She emphasizes that building trust with people allows them to make decisions and take the important steps to help themselves and family members. Although some abuse victims may worry that the Department of Children and Families (DCF) may take their children, Ms. Kennedy assures them that DCF is a partner in making families safe. 

Shame, she says, is a dangerous deterrent to seeking help, and it is important to help people set the stage for leaving an abusive relationship, for making a plan, and acting on it, before seeking a restraining order. “Keeping things quiet,” can be most harmful. In many ways, seeking advice and resources from Newton’s Department of Health and Human Services seems less daunting than going to the police, although the two departments work closely together to keep people safe.

To help break down barriers and open paths to safety, many people will wear purple on Thursday, October 19 in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness and in support of those who are victims. The campaign is based on these points: Awareness saves lives, and standing with victims and providing emotional as well as material support helps them take the first step to safety and a new life.

For the same reasons, the Purple Wing Project is asking students and others to wear purple on October 27. The Purple Wing Project is a youth-led organization based in Massachusetts advocating, raising funds, and spreading awareness to bridge the intersection between domestic violence and gun safety. 

Where to Find Services and Support

From the Newton Police Department: Resources and links regarding victim services and restraining orders. 

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