Don’t give up. There is hope.
The face of abuse looks different on every person. Abuse isn’t always seen by bruises. Domestic abuse is defined as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading, and violent behaviour—including sexual violence, willful intimidation, or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one person against another. In the majority of cases, this is done by a partner or ex-partner, but can also be done by a family member or a caregiver/guardian.
Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to:
Coercive control: which is a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation, and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence.
Psychological and/or emotional abuse
Physical or sexual abuse
Financial or economic abuse
Harassment and stalking
Online or digital abuse
If you are experiencing abuse we want you to know that there is hope. If you live within New Bedford, MA or the surrounding area, any of these organizations can help. If you need someone to help you find the help you need, please click the “I need help” button below.
Below are organizations where you can begin to find help in the city of New Bedford.
1. The Women’s Center helps domestic violence, sexual assault, childhood trauma victims. Can offer housing/safe place to stay, 24-hour emergency hotline, legal/medical advocacy, support groups/counselling, preventative education (Spanish/Portuguese speaking)
Phone: 508-996-3343 & 508-999-6636 (emergency hotline)
Address: 405 County St.
Website: www.thewomenscentersc.com
2. Women’s Center (Fall River Location)
Phone: 508-672-1222
Address: 209 Bedford St., Fall River
3. NBPD Domestic Violence Unit helps victims of domestic/sexual violence and stalking. Will help obtain restraining/harassment orders, even emergency restraining orders 24/7.
Phone: 508-991-6300 ext: 308
4. Children’s Advocacy Center helps children who are victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, etc. Connects them to mental health services, shelters/crisis centers, and assists them with legal needs.
Phone: 508-674-6111
Address: 58 Arch St., Fall River
Website: http://cacofbc.org
5. SAFEPLAN @ New Bedford District Court trained advocates to help victims of domestic violence by providing in-court advocacy and support services.
Phone: 508-999-7000 (ask for civil clerk’s office and then safeplan)
Website: https://www.mass.gov/locations/new-bedford-district-court
6. High Point Treatment Center’s Batterer Intervention Program is an educational program for both the victim and the abuser. They learn about cultural influences on violence, different forms of abusive behavior, and the impact on the loved ones they abuse, then teaches them non-violent and respectful behaviors (class also available in Spanish).
Phone: 774-628-1091
7. New Bedford Crisis Center
Phone: 508-996-3154
Address: North St.
Child and Family Services
Locations:
1061 Pleasant St. (508-996-8572)
543 North St. (508-984-5566),
3057 Acushnet Ave. (508-984-4300, 508-742-1040)
“No one needs to be left finding help on their own. No one needs to walk through a crisis by themselves. No one needs to feel like they have no one in their corner who cares. We are here. We care.”
#nbmacan