Search Results

Calls to Action DOVE's mission centers around hope, healing, safety, and social change. As an anti-violence organization, we are dedicated to serving the needs of survivors and advocating for peace, justice, and equity through legislation that affects the everyday lives of survivors. We ask our supporters to please join us in these calls to actions as a way to further advocate for survivors in the long-term. Support the VOCA Bridge We urgently need you to contact the MA Budget Conference Committee to support inclusion of the VOCA Bridge in their FY 2023 budget. The Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) has recently had to make grant awards with funding cuts implemented, because at present there is a shortfall of $21m for FY 2023 – the first of 3 years of cuts. For DOVE, this cut across 3 contracts amounts to 33% of our VOCA funding -- $271,000 in FY 2023 alone. This is a dramatic cut and will impact DOVE’s ability to provide safety planning, contact victims after the police have gone to a home on a DV call, assist survivors to seek and secure housing, and a range of other services we provide every day. Click on the Advocacy Toolkit below to contact MA Budget Conference Committee Representatives with the provided prompts! Advocacy Toolkit Take action and support the Healthy Youth Act (S.2541)! This Act would provide a framework for schools that teach sex education to include: comprehensive, age appropriate, and medically accurate information; content and material that is LGBTQIA+ inclusive; and healthy relationships, boundaries, and consent. You can take action through this form provided by Fenway Health below. Sign Form Here Take Action Against Gun Violence Intimate partner violence and gun violence in the U.S. are inextricably linked. Abusers with firearms are five times more likely to kill their victims, and guns further exacerbate the power and control dynamic used by abusers to inflict emotional abuse and exert coercive control over their victims. Every month, an average of 70 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner. Nearly 1 million women alive today have reported being shot or shot at by intimate partners, and 4.5 million women have reported being threatened with a gun by an intimate partner. In more than half of mass shootings over the past decade, the perpetrator shot a current or former intimate partner or family member as part of the rampage. The ripple effects of firearms in the hands of an abuser extend far beyond the intimate relationship—affecting children who witness or live with it and the family members, coworkers, and law enforcement officers who respond to it. What can you do? Check out Everytown's multitude of action steps and join community action groups. Send a message to your senators to turn the bipartisan gun safety plan into law now. Send a Message

WE BELIEVE EVERY HOME SHOULD BE A SAFE HOME At DOVE, Inc. we believe all people have the right to live without fear of abuse. Since our founding in 1978, DOVE has expanded from a crisis hotline to a multi-service organization providing comprehensive direct services and support for victims of dating and domestic violence, as well as their children. DOVE works with adults, elders/seniors, teens, and children who have been abused emotionally, financially, physically, and/or sexually. DOVE’s services include crisis intervention, danger assessment and safety planning, supportive counseling, emergency shelter, legal advocacy and representation, and community outreach, education, and training. DOVE remains the only domestic violence shelter and community-based service provider based in Norfolk County. DOVE strives to educate individuals, families and the community at-large to help change the societal conditions that allow domestic violence to persist. Our efforts address the isolation and vulnerability faced by victims of domestic violence and the enormous emotional, psychological, and financial toll violence takes on victims, their children, and the community. In addition to offering services that increase the safety of survivors, DOVE conducts outreach and educational presentations about domestic violence to civic and community groups; churches and faith-based organizations; schools, colleges, and universities; and many more. DOVE provides training for health and social service providers about working with survivors, as well as to businesses and employers regarding policies and practices. All of our services are grounded in survivor-centered, trauma-informed approaches. We respect each person’s right to choose their own path. We offer our resources and expertise to increase safety and access to supports in order to promote well-being. We assist individuals who are at different places in their process, exploring options in the community, pursuing legal remedies or seeking to leave an abusive relationship. We do not tell a person what to do, but rather we support individuals in making their own decisions. Our services are confidential and offered with compassion in a comfortable setting. View Our Mission Learn About Our History Get Involved Today!

Join Us At Harvesting Hope October 25, 2024 Purchase Tickets to Attends Please inform us of any seating preferences in the comments section of the form. Return to Home

Information for Teens & Young Adults DOVE Teen & Young Adult Brochure Cycle of Violence Defining Domestic Violence Defining Healthy Relationships Interactive Safety Planning Love & Abuse Red Flags Disguised as Romantic Gestures Relationship Bill of Rights Relationship Spectrum Talking To Your High Schoolers About Dating Additional Media Resources

Thank You Everyone! On behalf of DOVE’s Staff, Board of Directors, and the Let's Dance Event Committee members, thank you for supporting DOVE’s 2023 Let's Dance: Rise Above, Dance for DOVE. You helped us raise more than $155,000 for DOVE’s lifesaving programs serving survivors of domestic and partner violence . We could not have done this without your incredible support of DOVE and our mission to end domestic and partner violence through hope, healing, safety, and social change. And a big shout out to our Staff, Event Committee, and Board of Directors who contributed greatly to the overall success of Let's Dance. It was an absolute pleasure getting together with long-time supporters and meeting so many new members of our community. Just as our survivor speaker acknowledged in the Let's Dance program, community support is crucial to the work we do. It is by working together that we can make more of a difference and ensure peace, justice, and equity for the safety and well-being of every individual. Thank you for your support and commitment to ending domestic and partner violence. If you were not able to attend Let's Dance, you can still donate here! Donate Here! All photos wonderfully taken by Susan Hagstrom Thank You to Our Sponsors! Sarah Perry & Tony Kingsley Laurie Doran* & Christopher Wasel Christine* & Anton Nielsen Point32Health The Hale Family Three 33 Properties Eastern Bank Foundation Office of the Mayor, Quincy MA Mass General Brigham Heal Plan Stefanie Mansfield Dr. Olivia Moorehead-Slaughter* & Dr. Dennis L. Slaughter North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Karen Albaugh Non Profit Capital Management Glenn Ricciardelli* South Shore Bank Villain Branding Allison & Alex Anderson Bank of Canton Beth Israel Deaconess Milton Sue Chandler Dedham Savings Adrienne* & Jim Gerlach South Shore Health State Street Corporation In Loving Memory of Allison Holmes Andrea S. Mintz & Robert C. Fox R Moyer Interiors Needham Bank Michael T. & Mary G. Jenkins Newton Wellesley Hospital Nadine & Alexander Steffan *DOVE Board Members Thank You To Our 2024 Sponsors! Champion of Advocacy Champion Friend Hero of Hope Sponsor Advocate Sponsor Patron Sponsor Well Wisher Friend Sponsor Game Sponsor Thank You to Our 2025 Event Commitee! Beth Porter Board Vice President Hannah Marsh Cindy Ouellette Sam Arrigal Lauren McCallum Mary Poluikis Sharon Cain Robin Moyer Elise Tenney Aileen Farrell Stacy Murphy

STOCK DONATIONS & QCDs DOVE is excited to announce that we have expanded the way you can support survivors and contribute to a world free from domestic violence. Donors are now able to make stock donations or qualified charitable donations (QCDs) from an IRA. Please contact us at cassie.mcglynn@dovema.org for more information! For those working directly with their investment company, please use the following information when transferring the stocks or funds. LPL’s DTC # = 0075 Account # = 32883801 Account registration = DOVE A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION GENERAL FUND

Housing & Economic EmPowerment The Housing & Economic EmPowerment (HEEP) program is dedicated to supporting domestic violence survivors by addressing their complex housing and economic challenges. Leaving an abusive relationship often leads to significant impacts on housing stability and financial security. Survivors frequently face multiple obstacles as they work to rebuild their lives, including securing safe housing and gaining financial independence. Our program is here to guide you through this process and connect you with the resources you need to obtain safe, sustainable housing. We are committed to helping you find and qualify for housing options that best fit your unique situation. In addition, HEEP staff focus on empowering you economically by providing education, resources, and personalized support to strengthen your financial self-sufficiency. Services We Offer: Assistance with Housing Applications Housing Search Emergency Housing Referrals Financial Education and Coaching Resource and Benefit Navigation Employment Support Ongoing Housing & Finanancial Case Management To connect with a HEEP specialist, please contact our general intake line at 617-770-4065 ext 300 HEEP LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/heepdept We Need Your Help! Transitions can be financially stressful and resources are hard to come by. Please consider supporting our clients by purchasing some of the items they need for a successful fresh start. HEEP Amazon Wishlist

Programs & Services Hotline DOVE Hotline: 617-471-1234 or 888-314-3683 DOVE offers a hotline that operates 7 days a week, 365-days a year, and is answered by trained staff. Hotline staff offer a confidential, empathic, nonjudgmental, supportive ear and a wealth of information on available resources. Support Groups Contact 617-770-4065 ext. 300 and leave a message on our intake line. Learn More Civilian Domestic Violence Advocacy Contact our Civilian Domestic Violence Advocate Program Manager at 617-653-4226. Learn More Prevention & Education Contact 617-770-4065 ext. 500 Learn More Emergency Shelter We can shelter up to six families in independent living spaces. Learn More Children's Services Contact 617-770-4065 ext. 320 Learn More LGBTQIA+ Services Contact 617-770-4065 e xt. 300 Learn More YouthSpeak Contact 617-770-4065 ext. 500 Learn More Community Based Advocacy & Counseling For all services contact 617-770-4065 ext. 300 and leave a message on our intake line. Learn More Legal Advocacy Contact 617-770-4065 ext. 400 and leave a message on our intake line. Learn More Chinese Advocacy Contact 617-770-4065 ext. 304 Learn More Housing and Economic EmPowerment Contact 617-770-4065 ext. 300 Learn More

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Program Brochures View General DV Information View Legal Advocacy Resources View Information for Teens & Young Adults View View LGBTQIA+ Resources Public Policy & Advocacy Resources View Chinese Resources View FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is domestic violence? “Domestic Violence is not an argument every once in a while or a bad mood after a rough day; it is a pattern of harmful, controlling behavior that someone uses against their partner. Domestic violence is all about power and control and may not always involve physical abuse. It can include emotional/verbal, sexual, financial, and cultural/identity-based abuse and crosses all gender, age, ability, social, ethnic, racial, and economic lines. Abuse is never mutual, and doing everything “right” will not stop it. No one deserves to be threatened, intimidated, or harmed by a partner. You do not have to leave your partner to come to DOVE. You are not alone; help is available.”

Legal Advocacy Resources Domestic Violence & Legal Help Resources Mass Legal Help General DV Resources Find Free or Low Cost Legal Assistance Guide to Interviewing Attorneys for Representation: Questions to Ask an Attorney You Are Considering to Handle Your Care Restraining Orders & Harassment Prevention Orders Resources 209A Restraining Order Information Court Forms for 209A Restraining Orders & 258E Harassment Prevention Orders Restraining Order Process Restraining Order Information Housing & Benefits Resources MA Defense for Eviction Self-Guided Answer & Discovery Housing Search & Rental Assistance Resources Information About Public Benefits DTA Connect: Apply for SNAP, TAFDC, & EAEDC, Upload Documents, and Communicate with DTA UI Online: Apply for Unemployment Insurance Fact Sheet on Breaking Your Lease as a Survivor of Domestic Violence Family Law Resources Information About Child Custody Information About Child Support Information About Family Law including Divorce, Paternity, Visitation, etc. Court Forms for Probate and Family Court How to Apply to Waive Court Fees if You Cannot Afford Them Immigration Resources Information About Immigration Language Access Resources Arabic / النماذِج والمعلومات باللُغة العربية Chinese / 在中文形式和信息 Haitian Creole / Fòm ak enfòmasyon an Kreyòl Ayisyen Portuguese / Formulários e informações em português Khmer / សណ្ឋាន និងព័ត៌មាននានាជាភាសាខ្មែរ Russian / Бланки и данные на русском языке Spanish / Formularios e información en español Vietnamese / Các mẫu đơn của tòa án và thông tin bằng tiếng Việt

YouthSpeak Sign Up Check Out YouthSpeak: Program Levels Program Timeline Program Components Middle School Workshops YouthSpeak , DOVE’s Healthy Relationship Education and Abuse Prevention Program, educates students and young adults on the complex issues of dating and relationships while supporting and empowering youth to become leaders and agents for change in their communities. Middle and High Schools are offered three different levels of increasing engagement, from one-time classroom presentations by DOVE staff to health classes, to a comprehensive peer led program with monthly meetings. DOVE also offers a six-part middle school series for 6th through 8th graders with six cumulative interactive workshops. Follow us on Instagram! February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month! Each February, advocates and organizations nationwide raise awareness about teen dating violence through Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), focusing on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts. Check out our 2026 community events! Youth Advocate Summits Check back for Youth Advocate Summit 2026 registration details! Young people often turn to their peers for relationship advice. Come learn about safe and healthy relationships with DOVE experts.

Become a Sustainer of Safety Sustainers can ensure the long-term safety of survivors by giving monthly to DOVE, Inc. Monthly giving increases your impact and allows our team to focus on expanding our life-saving services. For $10 you could support our Emergency Shelter Residential Staff to answer Hotline Calls 24/7 For $25 you could support Prevention and Education Outreach and YouthSpeak trainings For $50 you could help Community Advocates provide for short and long-term needs of survivors For $100 you could help Legal Attorneys represent survivors in court for family, housing, and immigration law "After receiving counseling services from DOVE, I realized that my abuse was not my fault and that my actions did not cause my abuser to hurt me. I was finally able to recognize my self-worth and make better decisions moving forward." We Need Your Support!