Domestic Violence

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence (also called Relationship Violence) can be defined as a pattern of behaviors by an intimate partner that may include physical, sexual, economic and/or emotional abuse, for the purpose of establishing or maintaining power and control over the other partner.  While domestic violence occurs in all types of relationships and between people of all genders, it is overwhelmingly a problem of violence perpetrated by men against women.

Physical Abuse can include: slapping, punching, kicking, use of weapons throwing objects, denial of physical needs (food, sleep, medical attention)

Sexual Abuse can include: non-consenting sexual acts/behaviors, use of force (including threats/weapons), "guilt-tripping" partner into having sex, degrading or sexually attacking comments aimed at partner, or any touch that is unwanted

Emotional Abuse can include: blaming partner for everything that goes wrong, controlling what partner does, wears, reads, limiting contact with family & friends, threats of future abuse, tells children, family or friends lies about partner

Economic Abuse can include: control of assets, car, credit card, refusal to let partner get a job, puts bills in partner's name, then runs up charges, refusal of access to money, food, clothing and other basic needs

If you are a resident of Hadley or have experienced relationship violence or abuse, sexual assault, or stalking in Hadley, a Civilian Advocate is available to provide confidential support and advocacy for you.  Our Advocates can also provide services for victims/survivors at the Center for Women and Community, the Hadley Police Department, and other police departments in Hampshire County, including Amherst ,Belchertown, Northampton, and UMass.  

What is a Civilian Advocate?


A Civilian Advocate is someone who is not a police officer but works on-site at the station to provide services for the community.  Our Advocates are employees of the Center for Women and Community, who specialize in domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and related issues.  The Advocates provide confidential advocacy, support, safety planning, and referrals to victims/survivors after a crime has been reported to the police department.  **The Advocate can also assist victims/survivors who have not reported a crime. 

Advocate Hours and Contact Information:

You can arrange to meet with one of them at a mutually convenient time, or contact them via phone between 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. 

Allison: (413) 270-0378

Note - Please use the phone for confidential information if at all possible because the internet never provides complete security.

 

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