Stay at home directives are important for preventing the spread of COVID-19, but for many, staying home, with a partner who is abusive, is not the safest option.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse please know that to us, YOU are essential. The Brookline Police Department will continue to be here for you, no matter what the next few weeks or months bring with regard to #COVID-19.
ALL MEMBERS of the Brookline Police Department are trained to respond to calls involving domestic violence and abuse. While our courts aren’t open in the traditional sense, we have the ability to teleconference with our judges and clerks to assist our residents who are in need of emergency restraining orders or harassment prevention orders any time of day or night. If you need us, or if you know someone who does, call (617) 730-2222 or 911 in an emergency.
The department’s Domestic Violence Advocate, Doreen Gallagher, LCSW, can be reached at (617) 730-2713 and has decades of experience working with residents of Brookline. She is very knowledgeable about the resources in our community and can work with victims of ANY age. Please know that her number is NOT monitored 24/7 and should not be used to report an emergency situation.
If you don’t want to call us just yet, SAFELINK is a resource that is available nationwide, 24/7/365 by calling 1-800-799-7233/1-800-787-3224 (TTY). Their website, https://www.thehotline.org/ includes a “chat” option if you’re unable to speak freely or prefer to communicate by text.
In addition, please see the attached list of resources available to our residents, compiled by @JaneDoeInc. – The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence.
