Boston Police Family Justice Group and the Family Justice Center (FJC) of Boston

Is there someone in your life who is violent or controlling toward you? Have you ever been sexually assaulted by either a stranger or someone you know? Are you concerned that your child may have been abused?

Whether you are looking for assistance with navigating the legal system and understanding your rights as a victim, trying to find out whether your child has been harmed and by whom, or seeking the support necessary to stay safe and start anew, the Family Justice Center (FJC) of Boston is here for you. At the FJC, a program of the Boston Public Health Commission, you can talk about your experiences and get the help you need. All services are free, and childcare is provided during your visit.

The FJC has many on-site partners available to assist individuals and families affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence or exploitation, including the Boston Police Department’s Family Justice Group, which includes the following units:

• Crimes Against Children Unit (CACU)

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.

• Domestic Violence Unit (DVU)

DVU detectives investigate incidents of abuse among intimate partners or family members. Abuse can include physical violence, threats, stalking, intimidation, verbal abuse, and other behaviors used by one person to control another.  DVU detectives work out of the FJC, and can be reached at 617-343-4350.  In addition, civilian domestic violence advocates are assigned to several police stations in the City, and can assist victims of domestic violence with safety planning, crisis intervention, and referrals to a myriad of services, including legal assistance and housing relocation.  To speak with an advocate, contact your local police station or call the DVU for more information about our advocates.

• Human Trafficking Unit (HTU)

HTU detectives work with the MA State Police and 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.

• Sexual Assault Unit (SAU)

Detectives assigned to SAU investigate reported incidents of rape, attempted rape, or indecent assault.  SAU works closely with another on-site partner at the FJC – 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.

Other on-site partners at the FJC include:

• Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence

• Association of Haitian Women in Boston/ Asosiyasyon Fanm Ayisyen nan Boston (AFAB)

• Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)

• Casa Myrna Vasquez

• Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County

• Gay Men\'s Domestic Violence Project (GMDVP)

• Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS)

• The Network/La Red

• My Life My Choice

• Eva Center

• Dress for Success Boston

The FJC is located in the Brighton neighborhood at 989 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. It is open Monday through Friday from 9AM to 5PM. No appointment is necessary. If you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1 for police or medical assistance.

For more information, simply drop in, call (617) 779-2100, or visit the official: FJC website.