Family Violence

At INTERFACE Referral Service, we focus on connecting members of our communities with mental health providers. We also value the importance of learning about the mental health conditions that may be affecting your thinking, feeling, behavior, or mood.

Therefore, we have created "Mental Health Topic Pages". The majority of our topic pages will direct you to Network of Care Massachusetts! Network of Care Massachusetts has a library database of over 30,000 fact sheets and articles. Topics on behavioral health issues are written by leading experts and organizations in their fields.

Family/Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is abuse that happens in a personal relationship. It can happen between past or current partners, spouses, or boyfriends and girlfriends. Domestic violence affects men and women of any ethnic group, race, or religion; gay or straight; rich or poor; teen, adult, or elderly. But most of its victims are women. In fact, 1 out of 4 women will be a victim at some point.

 

Who To Call If You Or Someone You Know is At Risk

If you think that you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, call one of the relationship violence hotlines listed on the National Domestic Violence Hotline website to talk to someone about it. In an emergency situation where safety is at risk, you may also need to call 911.  Anyone can report suspected child maltreatment by calling the Child Protective Services in their state. (In Massachusetts, this is called the Department of Children and Families; the hotline is listed under Resources.) Most professionals who work with children are mandated by law to report suspected abuse or neglect (For Massachusetts, please click here for more information, including the Child-At-Risk Hotline at 1-800-792-5200). To learn about recognizing signs of abuse and neglect, click here.

Elder abuse reports may be made to the appropriate designated protective services agency or the statewide Elder Abuse Hotline (1-800-922-2275), which operates on a seven days a week, 24 hours a day basis. Typically, elder abuse reports are made to protective services agencies during normal business hours and to the Hotline during after-hours periods, on weekends and holidays.  Click here for the form to report elder abuse.  

 

Source: Network of Care Massachusetts

 

To learn more, visit these Network of Care Resources:

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence: Checklist of Things to Take When You Leave

What Increases Your Risk of Becoming a Victim of Domestic Abuse or Violence?

 

Also available is our INTERFACE Referral Service Guide- A Guide for Victims of Violent Crimes