Harvard Police Department - Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is in our midst. We have enabled its longevity through acclimation and denial. Violence poses a significant threat to our present and future generations if we fail to make a concerted effort see to its end.

The Groton-Harvard Domestic Violence Education Project was created to serve this very purpose. With assistance from the Executive Office of Public Safety and through the Violence Against Women's Act, the towns of Groton and Harvard established a community-based educational project to support the preventative efforts of local law enforcement.

The purpose and overall approach is to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies aimed at addressing the problem of domestic violence.

The goal of the Domestic Violence Education Project is to create a climate of intolerance around domestic violence. Through community outreach and education we are taking the first step toward making domestic violence a priority in our society.

WHAT YOU CAN DO...

Educate Yourself: Learn more about the root causes of violence, the warning signs and preventative strategies.

Spread the Word: We can all be part of the solution. Encourage your employer to sponsor a violence awareness workshop or arrange a community drive to support a local shelter. Sponsor an awareness workshop in your workplace.

Reach Out: Offer support without judgement or conditions to someone in need. Provide information on help that is available in your area.

Community Service: The Groton-Harvard Domestic Violence Education Project provides the following services to the community: Response/Awareness Training & Education ~ Support & Advocacy ~ Referrals to Medical, Legal, and Counseling Services ~ If you would like more information, or wish to inquire about possible volunteer opportunities, please call: (978) 448-1110.

ADVICE FOR PARENTS...

Be honest with your children. Help them to understand that abusing a loved one is wrong and that you (and they) are not responsible for the abuse. Your children need to know that violence has no place in dating or intimate relationship and that using violence to punish or control another is wrong! Encourage them to communicate their feelings (both the good and the bad) in a productive, healthy manner -- one that reinforces mutual respect and non-violence.

CALL TO ACTION...

The impact of domestic violence permeates the boundaries of the home. Our workplaces, our schools, playgrounds and neighborhoods have felt and will continue to feel its effects if we fail, both personally and professionally, to contribute to its end!

RECOGNIZING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE...

If you are confused about the relationship -- and are not sure if it is abusive, please, consider the following...

Has/is someone you know:

Harming or threatening to harm a child, partner, spouse or family member?

Repeatedly withholding money from a spouse or partner?

Continually jealous, making irrational accusations against his/her partner/spouse?

Restricting their partner/spouse from seeing family or friends?

Abusing drugs and/or alcohol?

Forcing sex upon their partner/spouse?

Constantly criticizing, humiliating, or degrading their partner/spouse and/or children.

Using physical violence to control the actions of their partner/spouse and/or children.

Community Assistance:

Emergency: Dial 9-1-1
Groton Police Department: (978) 448-5555
Harvard Police Department: (978) 456-8276
Statewide 24-Hour Hotline for Women's Safety: 1-800-922-2600
Statewide Drug & Alcohol Information & Referral Hotline: (617) 445-1500 ~ 1-800-327-5050
Al-Anon Family Groups of Mass: (781) 843-5300
Department of Social Services 24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-792-5200
Department of Social Services Teen Peer Line (Support): 1-800-238-7868
Disabled Persons Protection Commission: 1-800-426-9009
Department of Elder Affairs: 1-800-922-2275
Marrimack Valley Legal Services: 1-800-336-2262
Parent Stress 24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-632-8188
Ayer District Court-DA's Office: (978) 772-4907
Clinton District Court-DA's Office: (978) 365-3888

REALITY...

The term domestic violence actually refers to a range of behaviors including child abuse, assault of the elderly and/or disabled, physical aggression between siblings, and violence between intimate or dating partners. Violence is used by one person in the relationship to abuse, control, or dominate the other through force, fear, and/or intimidation.

An abusive act, whether verbal, physical, emotional, or other, is seldom an isolated incident. the initial, more subtle forms of abuse (i.e., name calling, put down, irrational jealousy) effect a pattern of insidious perpetual conduct. Tragically, the dismissal of these "benign" behaviors will most certainly evolve into the more lethal forms of physical violence.

There is no excuse for violence! Nor should any form of violence be considered an acceptable form of discipline. Stress induced by work, family, or finances cannot explain it and using drugs or alcohol will never justify it. Violence is a behavioral choice -- it is wrong and it is criminal.

The effects of violence on children are, at best, grossly underestimated. Without regard, many are living the consequences of domestic violence committed in their presence.

Witnessing violence can be as traumatic for children as being victims of it. However, the evasive impact masks injuries far beneath the skin's surface. Sadly, the fact remains that violence perpetuates because children see, hear and understand more than we've given them credit for.

Such exposure and experience will teach children two very powerful life lessons:

We use violence to resolve conflict and relieve stress.
Violence and intimacy go hand in hand.

If you are concerned about what your child has seen or heard or if you feel that your child is engaging in certain at risk behaviors, please get informed and get help.