Domestic abuse is a pattern of abusive behavior used by a partner to gain or maintain power and control over a family member. Both women and men can be victims of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is common, and the abuse comes in many forms.
Physical abuses such as hitting, pushing, restraining, threatening, and sexual abuse are all forms of domestic abuse. Many people do not realize that abuse can also be emotional or economic. Emotional abuses such as humiliating, isolating from friends and family, and withholding information are all forms of domestic abuse. Economic abuses such as withholding money and requiring begging for money are also forms of domestic abuse.
Get Help
Victims of domestic abuse can get help. If you have a friend or family member who may be a victim of domestic abuse, you can help them by making them aware of the services below.
Support Services
There are many support services available to help victims of domestic abuse. SafeLink is a statewide, toll free domestic violence hotline available 24 hours a day at (877) 785-2020 that includes Portuguese support and can direct you to many services.
The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) offers outreach, prevention education, advocacy, individual assistance, translation/interpretation, guided referrals, and related services for domestic violence survivors. MAPS also offers a 40-week program that teaches men how to stop engaging in abusive behavior against their partners/spouses. You can call MAPS about these services at (617) 864-7600. www.maps-inc.org/services/
Legal Options
Victims of domestic abuse have a number of legal options.
Victims of domestic abuse can seek a restraining order against the abuser when there is an immediate danger of abuse, even non-physical abuse. A victim of domestic abuse who is married to the abuser can seek a divorce.
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