Shelters for Battered Women
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What are shelters for battered women?
Shelters for battered women are safe places where victims of domestic violence can live for several months while they get help. There are different types of battered women's shelters. Some are funded by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), and some are run by non-profit organizations. Some are "safe homes" provided by members of the community.
Battered women's shelters are for women and children in immediate danger. All have 24-hour hotlines, and all services are confidential.
Battered women's shelters usually allow stays up to 90 days. Extensions can be granted. Shelters operate on a first-come first-served basis and have strict rules to protect residents (no contact with the batterer, no drug or alcohol abuse, etc.)
Am I eligible?
Battered women's shelters are for women and children fleeing from violent and dangerous living situations. To be eligible:
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You must be willing to leave your home to protect yourself and your children from further abuse.
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You must follow the shelter's rules about confidentiality to guarantee the safety of the shelter residents.
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You do not need a restraining order to be eligible.
How do I apply?
To get help, you should call the statewide SafeLink toll-free hotline at 1-877-785-2020.
SafeLink is a 24-hour, free and multi-lingual hotline for programs in Massachusetts. You may also call one of the shelter hotlines in your community.
The hotline staff member will discuss your situation with you, find a shelter for you, and work out a plan to get you and your children to the shelter safely.
Shelters for battered women in Massachusetts
For the names and telephone numbers of shelters in your community, see the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless listing of Massachusetts Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence. Shelters are listed by region.
There are also many domestic violence programs throughout the state that will help you. See the listing of Massachusetts Domestic Violence Programs on the Jane Doe Inc. web site.
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