Domestic Violence Unit

Victim Advocate Gladys Agneta
(617) 466-4806

In the event of an emergency please call 9-1-1

If you are a victim of Domestic Violence, we can help. Oftentimes, persons experiencing domestic violence fail to report abuse, take preventive measures or follow up on criminal actions due to fear, embarrassment or self-blame. In many cases, these persons are unaware of their rights under the legal system. Domestic Violence is a serious crime which affects over 3 million people nationwide each year. Statistics have shown that the majority of victims are woman and that Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women—more so than vehicle accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Studies also suggest that as many as 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually.

If you are here seeking knowledge or assistance it means you are seriously considering ways to help protect yourself or maybe a loved one. Please look over the information below and contact us if you have any questions or immediate needs. We are here to help you.

Domestic Violence is defined as any abusive, violent, coercive, forceful, or threatening act or word inflicted by one member of a family or household upon another. According to Massachusetts General Law, ”abuse” is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following acts between family or household members:

• attempting to cause or causing physical harm;
• placing another in fear of imminent serious physical harm;
• causing another to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force, threat or duress.

Family or household members are persons who:

• are or were married to one another;
• are or were residing together in the same household;
• are or were related by blood or marriage;
• having a child in common regardless of whether they have ever married or lived together; or
• are or have been in a substantive dating or engagement relationship.

The Chelsea Police Department works closely with the courts and district attorneys to ensure that persons get the best assistance possible. Additionally, the Chelsea Police support the efforts of the following agencies that assist persons affected by domestic violence:

SafeLink
(877) 785-2020
SafeLink is the Massachusetts statewide domestic violence hotline. SafeLink is answered by trained advocates 24 hours a day in  English, Spanish and TTY (1-788-521-2601).

Chelsea HarborCOV
24-Hour Hotline: 617-884-9909

Haven at MGH
(617) 887-3513

Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project
(617) 354-6056

Fenway Community Health Center (LGBT)
(617) 267-0900

Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence
24-Hour Hotline (617) 338-2355
Business (617) 338-2354

Dove, Inc
Hotline (617) 471-1234
Business (617) 770-4065