Is there someone in your life who is violent or controlling towards you? Have you been sexually assaulted by either a stranger of someone you know? Are you concerned that your child may have been abused or exploited?
If you are looking for assistance with navigating the legal system and understanding your rights as a victim or survivor of domestic abuse or sexual assault, the Boston Police Department’s Family Justice Group and the Family Justice Center (FJC) of Boston can help.
The BPD’s Family Justice Group consists of four units working together to enhance victim safety and improve offender accountability:
DVU detectives investigate incidents of abuse among intimate partners, people who are dating, or family members. Abuse may include physical violence, threats or intimidation, stalking, harassment, verbal abuse, and other behaviors used by one person to control another. DVU detectives can be reached at (617) 343-4350. In addition, the DVU also has civilian DV advocates assigned to several police stations in the City who can assist survivors with safety planning, crisis intervention, and referrals to community-based resources. To speak with a DV advocate, please call the DVU or contact your local police station.
Detectives assigned to SAU investigate reported incidents of rape, attempted rape, and indecent assault. SAU works closely with the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center to provide a victim-centered response to sexual-based violence. The Sexual Assault Unit can be reached at (617)343-4400.
CACU investigates reported incidents of physical and sexual abuse of children, as well as crimes involving child pornography and internet enticement of minors. CACU detectives can be reached at (617) 343-6183.
HTU detectives work with the MA State Police and the FBI to investigate alleged crimes in which a person or group of persons uses force, fraud, or coercion to obtain or maintain a person in service, labor, or commercial sexual exploitation. HTU detectives can be reached at (617)343-6533.
These four units of dedicated investigators are housed within the Dee Kennedy Family Justice Center (FJC) of Boston, a program of the Boston Public Health Commission. The FJC partners with the Boston Police Department and several local victim service organizations to assist both adult and minor survivors of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Among the organizations partnering with the BPD and FJC include:
- Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence
- Boston Area Rape Crisis Center
- Casa Myrna
- The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers
- Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County (an FJC on-site partner)
- The Network /LaRed (an FJC on-site partner)
- My Life My Choice
- Eva Center
- Dress for Success Boston (an FJC on-site partner)
The FJC is located at 989 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, MA 02215. For more information call (617) 779-2100, or visit the FJC website.