Domestic Violence Unit

The Boston Police Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) is located in the Family Justice Center of Boston at 989 Commonwealth Avenue. Detectives assigned to the DVU investigate all reported incidents of domestic violence in the City of Boston, including intimate partner violence, violence among family or household members and some physical child abuse cases (For more information on child abuse investigation, see the Crimes Against Children Unit site).

Additionally, civilian domestic violence victim/witness advocates work in the district stations, helping victims find and obtain a multitude of available services in the community (shelter, counseling, legal services, health centers, etc.). Advocates are also available to discuss safety planning with victims as well as help them understand the criminal justice process and their legal rights, including how to obtain a restraining order.

Domestic Violence Laws

Chapter 209A of the General Laws of Massachusetts deals with abuse between intimate partners, family or household members.
Complete Law

Chapter 265, Section 43 of the General Laws of Massachusetts addresses the crime of stalking. This law was amended in August, 2000 to add Section 43A - "An Act Relative to the Crime of Criminal Harassment."
Complete Law (Amended)
Complete Law (Previous)

Chapter 35 of the Acts of 2002 addresses the crimes of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon. 
Complete Law

Shelters and Services

Find a complete list of comprehensive domestic violence shelters, safe housing and health care resources.
More Information

Contact Information

The Domestic Violence Unit is located at the Family Justice Center of Boston at 989 Commonwealth Avenue. The Commander of the Domestic Violence Unit is Lieutenant Detective Charles Wilson. Lt. Det. Wilson and all domestic violence detectives can be reached

The mailing address for the DVU is:

Boston Police Domestic Violence Unit
The Family Justice Center of Boston
989 Commonwealth Ave.
Boston, MA 02215

Domestic Violence Advocates are assigned to the district police stations around the City. Below, please find contact information for the advocates for each Area/District:

AREA A

DISTRICT 1:  40 New Sudbury Street, Boston, MA 02114
Main Number: 617-343-4240
Advocate: 617-343-4807
(Serving the citizens of Downtown Boston, Charlestown, North End, Chinatown, Beacon Hill)
 
DISTRICT 7:  7 Paris Street, East Boston, MA 02128
Main Number: 617-343-4220
Advocate: 617-343-4808
(Serving the citizens of East Boston)

AREA B

DISTRICT 2:  135 New Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA 02119
Main Number: 617-343-4270
Advocate: 617-343-4809
(Serving the citizens of Roxbury, North Dorchester)
 
DISTRICT 3:  1165 Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02126
Main Number: 617-343-4700
Advocate: 617-343-4810
(Serving the citizens of Mattapan and Dorchester)

AREA C

DISTRICT 6:  101 West Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127
Main Number: 617-343-4730
Advocate: 617-343-4741
(Serving the citizens of South Boston)
 
DISTRICT 11:  40 Gibson Street, Dorchester, MA 02122
Main Number: 617-343-4330
Advocate: 617-343-4786
(Serving the citizens of Dorchester)

AREA D

DISTRICT 4:  650 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
Main Number: 617-343-4250
Advocate: 617-343-5619
(Serving the citizens of Back Bay, South End, Fenway)
 
DISTRICT 14:  301 Washington Street, Brighton, MA 02135
Main Number: 617-343-4260
Advocate: 617-343-4256
(Serving the citizens of Allston, Brighton)

AREA E

DISTRICT 5:  1708 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132
Main Number: 617-343-4560
Advocate: 617-343-4813 or 617-343-4959
(Serving the citizens of West Roxbury, Roslindale)
 
DISTRICT 13:  3345 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Main Number: 617-343-5630
Advocate: 617-343-5628 or 617-343-4959
(Serving the citizens of Jamaica Plain)
 
DISTRICT 18:  1249 Hyde Park Avenue, Hyde Park, MA 02136
Main Number: 617-343-5600
Advocate: 617-343-5607 or 617-343-4959
(Serving the citizens of Hyde Park, Mattapan)