South Hadley Police
Domestic Violence FAQs & Resources
FOR EMERGENCY SERVICE CALL 9-1-1
Abused Person's Notice of Rights
You have the right to appear at the Superior, Probate and Family, or Eastern Hampshire District Court, if you reside within the appropriate jurisdiction, and file a complaint requesting any of the following applicable orders:
a) an order restraining your attacker from abusing you;
b) an order directing your attacker to leave your household, building or workplace;
c) an order directing your attacker not to contact you or a child in your custody;
d) an order awarding you custody of a minor child;
e) an order directing your attacker to pay support for you or any minor child in your custody, if the attacker has a legal obligation of support; and
f) an order directing your attacker to pay you for losses suffered as a result of abuse, including medical and moving expenses, loss of earnings or support, cost for restoring utilities and replacing locks, reasonable attorney fees and other out-of-pocket losses for injuries and property damage sustained;
g) that your current or new address be kept confidential from the abuser for your safety.
For an emergency on weekends, holidays, or week nights the police will assist you to a justice of the Superior, Probate and Family, or Eastern Hampshire District Court departments.
You have the right to go to the appropriate court and seek a criminal complaint for threats, assault and battery, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with intent to kill or other related offenses.
If you are in need of medical treatment, you have the right to request that an officer present drive you to the nearest hospital or otherwise assist you in obtaining medical treatment.
If you believe that police protection is needed for your physical safety, you have the right to request that the officer present remain at the scene until you or your children can leave or until your safety is otherwise ensured. You may also request that the officer assist you in locating and taking you to a safe place, including but not limited to a designated meeting place for a shelter or a family member's or a friend's residence, or a similar place of safety.
You may request a copy of the police incident report at no cost from the police department.
Family violence; Whose problem is it?
Domestic Violence is a crime that is a community problem and not, as the batterer would lead you to believe, a "private matter". Violence begets violence, and no one can afford to stand on the sidelines: It's a community problem.
It's estimated that approximately one-third to one-half of those who batter their partners also abuse their own children. Sixty percent of batterers were themselves victims of family violence, or watched their family members being abused.
How to get help in town?
South Hadley Police Emergency: 9-1-1
South Hadley Police non-emergency: 413-538-8231
Places to get help, information:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
24-Hour Hotline for Women's Safety: 1-800-992-2600
Some nearby shelters, support groups:
Everywoman’s Center: |
413-545-0883 |
Men Overcoming Violence: |
413-253-9588 |
Men’s Resource Center of WMA: |
413-253-9887 |
Safe Passage: |
413-586-5066 |
Womanshelter/Campaneras: |
413-536-1628 |
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FOR EMERGENCY SERVICE CALL 9-1-1
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