Relationship Violence

Relationship violence is one of the toughest situations facing college students today. Emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse in dating relationships is not only wrong, it's a crime!

Relationship violence affects our whole community. Whether you're in an abusive relationship, or know someone who is, there are things you can do. If you're not comfortable speaking with the police, you can still get help by speaking with an RA, a counselor, or someone else who has experience dealing with relationship violence.

Some helpful web links include:

Restraining Orders

Deciding to seek a restraining order is often a difficult decision to make. BSC Police Officers are specially trained to assist you throughout the process in a sympathetic, non-judgmental manner. If you are in danger and the court is closed an officer can contact an on-call judge to obtain an "emergency" restraining order. If the court is open, then an officer can accompany you to court to assist you with the process. The bottom line - you're not alone.

Whether it's simply to ask about your options or to request assistance, the BSC Police Department can help.

Abuse Prevention Rights

You have the right to appear at the Superior, Probate and Family, District or Boston Municipal 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 awarding you custody of a minor child; (d) 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 (e) 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, costs for restoring utilities and replacing locks, reasonable attorney's fees and other out-of-pocket losses for injuries and property damage sustained.

For an emergency on weekends, holidays, or weeknights the 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 the appropriate district court or the Boston municipal 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 and 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/Household Members

Under Massachusetts law, "family or household members" are eligible to receive restraining orders. The law defines family or household members as those who:

  • Are or were living together
  • Are related by blood
  • Are or were related by marriage
  • Have a child in common
  • Are or were in a substantive dating relationship

The courts have also interpreted sexual assault situations as meeting the requirements to obtain a restraining order.

Last Modified: January 18, 2006