People often think of domestic violence as physical abuse, such as shoving, slapping, choking, kicking, using weapons, and murder. However, domestic violence also includes many more behaviors, such as sexual abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, and economic abuse. Power and control are at the center of all domestic violence incidents. 

If you are fearful of physical or verbal abuse from a household member, the law provides significant support for you. In those situations, call the police directly. A police officer will assist you in learning about how the law protects you, what kind of resources are available to you, and if necessary will take action to help you obtain an emergency restraining order and provide for your physical safety.  

If you are a survivor of domestic violence, you have access to resources that may help you, such as: 

 Hotlines to help you find resources available to you 
 Safe and confidential shelter 
 Planning for your safety 
 Legal assistance 

NOTE: Information on computers, phones and other electronic devices may be traceable. If you're worried about your abuser tracking your steps this way, it may be best to use a public computer, such as in a library and avoid using e-mail or social media.

See our hyperlinks for additional resources, or contact Deputy Chief Rachael Bielecki our Domestic Violence Officer at rbielecki@grotonma.gov

National Hotlines


The National Domestic Violence Hotline https://www.thehotline.org/ 1-800-799-SAFE (7233); TTY (1-800-787-3224)


National Sexual Violence Resource Center www.nsvrc.org 1-877-739-3895


Statewide Hotlines


Massachusetts Statewide Hotline Program Domestic Violence SafeLink Multilingual 1-877-785-2020 https://www.casamyrna.org/ 


Jane Doe, Inc./Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence www.janedoe.org phone 617-248-0922 hotline 877-785-2020


Domestic Violence Services Network (DVSN) http://dvsn.org 888-399-6111

Local Resources


The Center for Hope and Healing Lowell phone 978-452-7721 hotline 800-542-5212 https://chhinc.org/ - for victims of rape and sexual violence; counseling, medical and legal advocacy, and other resources


Alternative House - Lowell - Crisis Line 888-291-6228 non-emergency 978-454-1436 Housing, emergency shelter, support groups, legal advocacy https://www.alternative-house.org/


YWCA Central Massachusetts Domestic Violence Services 978-537-2306 HOTLINE 508-755-9030 online chat helpline www.ywcahelp.com emergency shelter, safeplan/court advocacy, support groups, short term counseling and advocacy  https://ywcacm.org/domestic-violence 


LGBTQ Resources


LGBT National Help Center www.lgbthotline.org many different resources for LBGTQ, national, local, hotlines, chat rooms, etc


The Network/LA Red http://tnlr.org/en/ survivor led organizing to end partner abuse for LBGTQ

Living in Freedom Together 108 Beacon Street Worcester, MA 01608 Phone: 774-243-6025 liftworcester.org 

survivor-led organization comprised of those who have overcome commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), and professionals sensitive to the needs of this vulnerable and marginalized population. 








Copyright 2024 by Town of Groton Massachusetts Police Department Privacy Statement Terms Of Use