Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of coercive
control that one person exercises over another in
an intimate relationship. This control is established
through fear, the use of physical and emotional violence
and/or other forms of abuse. Relationships involving
domestic violence may differ in terms of the severity,
but control is the primary goal.
The Billerica Police is committed to providing the
most professional response possible during these sensitive
incidents. All our officers are trained to handle
and respond appropriately to domestic violence situations.
If you are in need of specialized assistance regarding
a domestic violence situation please contact our domestic
violence officer and Domestic Violence Advocate:
Patrolman
Tara Conners
REACH Advocate June Donovan
Rights
of the Abused
As a Billerica resident you have the right to appear
at the Lowell District Court during normal business
hours (8:30am-4:00pm) and file a complaint requesting
any of the following applicable orders:
1. an order restraining your attacker from
abusing you;
2. an order directing your attacker to leave
your household, building or workplace;
3. an order directing your attacker not to
contact you or a child in your custody;
4. an order awarding you custody of a minor
child;
5. 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
6. 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;
7. 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 Billerica Police will
refer you to a justice of the Superior, Probate and
Family, District, or Boston Municipal Court Departments.
You have the right to go to Billerica Police station
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.
In addition to the above information, REACH (Refuge, Education, Advocacy, Change) offers many resources and information
which may be of help. Feel free to visit their site
by clicking the picture below.

REACH Hotline 1-800-899-4000