Community Service Bureau is responsible for investigating many activities that occur within this city. The Community Service Bureau (CSB) provides full support to all citizens regarding any issues related to the following:

Juvenile Issues

Elder Affairs

Domestic Abuse

Civil Rights Violations

Media Relations

Our Mission : It is our hope that by consolidating these areas within one bureau, we will be able to provide the community with a more comprehensive approach to prevention, intervention and enforcement. Getting to know the needs and wants of our citizens are paramount to being successful. We must be vigilant and constantly maintain a close working relationship with the citizenry to be able to reach all seeking our assistance. In the areas of Child Abuse, Elder Abuse and Domestic Violence, it is often said, that within the same household, “where you’ll find one, you’ll often find the other.” Our goals are to provide these victims with a broad range of assistance and services, so that these cycles of violence can be shut down.
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Juvenile Related :
The CSB is responsible for the investigations of juvenile issues and crimes. Our 4 youth officers work very closely with the public and private schools in Newton, as well as the children and their parents. Officers can be found throughout the year in the community assisting with any juvenile problems that may arise. Additionally, our youth officers maintain an excellent rapport with the many different private and public organizations. Some of them include, but are not limited too: The Newton Youth Commission , The Newton Partnership , Project Interface and Department of Children and Families . These relationships help facilitate outreach to the youths of our city. Our goal is one of prevention and intervention. There are occasions when enforcement and criminal prosecution of a juvenile are necessary, but those occasions are the exception and not the rule. The CSB maintains a close working relationship with the juvenile probation officer. This relationship has proved fruitful not only for the child and their family but for the community as well. Youth Officers are available to speak with parent(s) and children on any issues that maybe of concern to them.

For three weeks every summer, Youth Officer John Panica, runs the “Cops and Kids” program. Each week 30 different middle school aged children spend time with officers from this department doing a variety of activities. Not only does this program build a level of understanding and trust with those involved but it also forges friendships between the police and children that last for years. {For more information, please contact Officer Panica (jpanica@newtonma.gov) at 617 796-2189.Be advised seats, are limited and go fast}.

Another summer offering is the free Middlesex Sheriff’s Department Youth Public Safety Academy . For one week every August, Youth Officer Kathleen Doyle participates in this event, which teaches 9, 10 and 11 year old children about public safety. This day camp is held in Billerica, Mass. and is run by the sheriff’s department, along with local police. Newton youths are picked up by bus at 8:00 a.m. at Newton City Hall and then transported to Billerica.

{For more information, please contact Officer Doyle (kdoyle@newtonma.gov) at 617 796-2188}.

Youth Officers : Jeffrey Mace (jmace@newtonma.gov), John Panica, Kathleen Doyle and David Spirito (dspirito@newtonma.gov) can be reached at 617 796-2103.They all work at in our Annex building, which is located at 25 Chestnut Street West Newton 02465. Youth officers work Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect

The following definitions may be found under the Department of Children and Families Regulations (110 CMR, section 2.00):

Abuse: the non-accidental commission of any act by a caretaker upon a child under age 18 which causes, or creates a substantial risk of, physical or emotional injury; or constitutes a sexual offense under the laws of the Commonwealth; or any sexual contact between a caretaker and a child under the care of that individual. This definition is not dependent upon location (i.e., abuse can occur while the child is in an out-of-home or in-home setting.

Shaken Baby Syndrome: infants, babies or small children who suffer injuries or death from severe shaking, jerking, pushing or puling may have been victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome. The act of shaking a baby is considered physical abuse, as spinal, head and neck injuries often result from violently shaking young children.

Neglect: Failure by a caretaker, either deliberately or through negligence or inability to take those actions necessary to provide a child with minimally adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, supervision, emotional stability and growth, or other essential care; provided, however, that such inability is not due solely to inadequate economic resources or solely to the existence of a handicapping condition. This definition is not dependent upon location (i.e., neglect can occur while the child is in an out-of-home setting).

Emotional Injury: an impairment to or disorder of the intellectual or psychological capacity of a child as evidenced by observable and substantial reduction in the child's ability to function within a normal range of performance and behavior.

Physical Injury: Death; or fracture of a bone, subdural hematoma, burns, impairment of any organ, and any other such nontrivial injury; or soft tissue swelling or skin bruising, depending upon such factors as the child's age, circumstances under which the injury occurred and the number and location of bruises; or addiction to a drug or drugs at birth; or failure to thrive.

Institutional Abuse or Neglect: Abuse or neglect which occurs in any facility for children, including, but not limited to, group homes, residential or public or private schools, hospitals, detention and treatment facilities, family foster care homes, group day care centers and family day care homes.

Warning Signs for Child Abuse or Neglect

There are often certain recognizable physical and behavioral indicators of child abuse or neglect. The following signs, by themselves, may not be conclusive evidence of a problem, but serve as indicators of the possibility that a problem exists.

Signs of Physical Abuse

Bruising, welts or burns that cannot be sufficiently explained; particularly bruises on the face, lips, and mouth of infants or on several surface planes at the same time;

Withdrawn, fearful or extreme behavior;

Clusters of bruises, welts or burns, indicating repeated contact with a hand or instrument;

Burns that are insufficiently explained; for example, cigarette burns; and

Injuries on children where children don't usually get injured (e.g., the torso, back neck buttocks, or thighs).

Signs of Sexual Abuse

Difficulty walking or sitting;

Pain or itching in the genital area;

Torn, stained or bloody underclothing;

Frequent complaints of stomachaches or headaches;

Venereal disease;

Bruises or bleeding in external genitalia;

Feeling threatened by physical contact;

Inappropriate sex play or premature understanding of sex; and

Frequent urinary or yeast infections.

Signs of Emotional Injury

Speech disorders;

Inability to play as most children do;

Sleeping problems;

Anti-social behavior or behavioral extremes; and

Delays in emotional and intellectual growth.

Signs of Neglect

Lack of medical or dental care;

Chronically dirty or unbathed;

Lack of adequate school attendance;

Lack of supervision; for example young children left unattended or with other children too young to protect or care for them;

Lack of proper nutrition;

Lack of adequate shelter;

Self-destructive feelings or behavior; and

Alcohol or drug abuse.

When you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, you should immediately telephone the DCF Area Office serving the child’s residence and ask for the Protective Screening Unit. You will find a directory of the DCF Area Offices at the end of this Guide. Offices are staffed between 9 am and 5 pm weekdays.

To make a report at any other time, including after 5 p.m. and on weekends and holidays, please call the Child-At-Risk Hotline at 1-800-792-5200 .

Massachusetts law defines the following professionals as mandated reporters:

• Physicians, medical interns, hospital personnel engaged in the examination, care or treatment of persons, medical examiners;
• Emergency medical technicians, dentists, nurses, chiropractors, podiatrists, optometrists, osteopaths;
• Public or private school teachers, educational administrators, guidance or family counselors;
• Child Care licensors, such as staff from the Department of Early Education and Care;
• Early education, preschool, child care or after school program staff, including any person paid to care for, or work with, a child in any public or private facility, home or program funded or licensed by the Commonwealth, which provides child care or residential services. This includes child care resource and referral agencies, as well as voucher management agencies, family child care and child care food programs;
• Social workers, foster parents, probation officers, clerks magistrate of the district courts, and parole officers;
• Firefighters or police officers;
• School attendance officers, allied mental health and licensed human services professionals;
• Psychiatrists, psychologists and clinical social workers, drug and alcoholism counselors; and
• Clergy members, including ordained or licensed leaders of any church or religious body, persons performing official duties on behalf of a church or religious body, or religious body to supervise, educate, coach, train or counsel a child on a regular basis.

Mandated reporters are also required by law to mail or fax a written report to the Department within 48 hours after making the oral report. The form for filing this report can be obtained from your local DCF Area Office or from the DCF website: www.mass.gov/dcf.

Your report should include:

• Your name, address and telephone number;
• All identifying information you have about the child and parent or other caretaker, if known;
• The nature and extent of the suspected abuse and/or neglect, including any evidence or knowledge of prior injury, abuse, maltreatment, or neglect;
• The identity of the person you believe is responsible for the abuse or neglect;
• The circumstances under which you first became aware of the child’s injuries, abuse, maltreatment or neglect;

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is the Massachusetts state agency responsible for protecting children from child abuse and neglect. To report abuse or neglect, call the Child-at-Risk Hotline anytime of the day or night at 800-792-5200 .
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Elder Affairs :
The CSB employs a fulltime Elder Affairs Officer, who assists the city’s elderly population with their specific needs and issues. As the percentage of Newton’s elder population grows higher, our elder affairs officer is ever ready to handle the increased demands placed upon her. However, these demands cannot be met alone. Our EAO uses a matrix of partnerships, both in the public and private sectors that deal exclusively with our elders. The EAO works closely with the Newton Health and Human Services Department , Newton Senior Center and Springwell Services to maximize the assistance and quality of services to those elders in need. By having these partnerships, the EAO is better able to serve and assist our elders in the areas of abuse, financial exploitation, neglect and. safety concerns. In many instances, the EAO is able to gain a valuable trust and mutual respect with those elders, where other providers may have failed in the past. To many elders, they may view the EAO as being like a family member, friend or someone to count on; since many of them are alone, having no one.

Elder Affairs Officer :Eric Rosenbaum (erosenba@newtonma.gov), works Monday –Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 p.m. He can be reached at 617 796-3660. The Elder Affairs Office is located at 25 Chestnut St. W. Newton Mass. 02465.

The Elder Abuse Law, in Massachusetts defines elder abuse as any act or omission which results in serious physical or emotional injury to, or financial exploitation of, an elder. This includes:

• Physical Abuse: non-accidental use of physical force that results in bodily injury, pain, impairment, or emotional distress
• Sexual Abuse: single or multiple non-consensual sexual acts, unwanted exposure to the offender's sexual behavior, taking advantage of a caregiver role to gain sexual satisfaction, or sexual exploitation and threats
• Emotional Abuse: non-accidental infliction of serious emotional injury including severe anxiety, fear, depression, or withdrawal
• Neglect: intentional or non-intentional failure by a caregiver to provide one or more of the necessities essential for physical, intellectual, and emotional well-being, such as food, shelter, medical, or personal care
• Financial Exploitation: the non-accidental act or omission by another person without the consent of the elder which causes substantial monetary or property loss to the elder, or substantial monetary or property gain to the other person

Who is Protected?

All people 60 years old and older living in the community are protected under this law.

Who Can Report Elder Abuse?

Anyone who has reasonable cause to believe an elder has been abused may make a report of elder abuse. The identity of the reporter is always kept confidential.

Who Must Report Elder Abuse?

Physician, medical interns, dentists, coroners, podiatrists, osteopaths, physician assistants, social workers, nurses, occupational and physical therapists, psychologists, family counselors, firefighters, police and probation officers, emergency medical technicians, executive directors of home health aide and homemaker agencies, casemanagers, health aides, and homemakers, and managers of assisted living residences are all mandated reporters of elder abuse.

How Do I Report Elder Abuse?

During regular work hours, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, abuse may be reported by calling the Protective Services Department at Springwell at (617)926-4100 . After work hours, nights, and weekends, abuse should be reported to the state-wide Elder Abuse toll-free HOTLINE: 1-800-922-2275 . The HOTLINE will contact a Springwell Protective Services caseworker if necessary.

What About Liability?

No mandated reporter is liable in any civil suit or criminal action by reason of submitting a report to Protective Services. Also, no other person making a report is liable in any civil or criminal action if the report is made in good faith (without malicious intent).

What Happens Then?

A Protective Services caseworker is assigned to investigate the situation. The caseworker determines whether abuse is present and the nature and extent of the abuse. If abuse is confirmed, the caseworker will offer the elder a choice of services designed to alleviate or end the abuse. Protective Services staff, sensitive to the needs of elders, will balance the mandate to protect elders with an elder's right to self-determination. If there is reasonable cause to believe abuse has taken place, a case will be opened and protective services offered. Protective services may include in-home services, medical treatment, counseling, legal services, information and support. Staff will exercise the least restrictive means of intervention, with the goal of maintaining elders in their own homes. A competent elder has the right to accept or refuse protective services.

What if Someone is Self Neglecting and not being Abused by Someone Else?

Call Springwell. Their staff will conduct an assessment and help ensure that the elder is safe.

The elder's rights and wishes are always respected.

To report elder abuse call during business hours
Springwell (617) 926-4100

-or-

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts'
ELDER ABUSE HOTLINE
(24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK)
1-800-922-2275 Voice/TDD
Translation is available.

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Domestic Violence Related :
The CSB has a full time Domestic Violence Officer (DVO) who works closely with victims of domestic violence, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office Victim-Witness Advocate, the courts and a multitude of public and private organizations. Our DVO works closely with victims in obtaining restraining orders, and keeping them informed with a multitude of information, in their times of need and confusion. With this resource the DVO, has the ability to focus on the safety, fears, needs and concerns of all these victims. Many times victims feel alone after being abused and/or isolated by their attacker. Often, the DVO is able to forge a viable link and trust with these victims. Many victims feel that the DVO is the only person that they can turn too. By having that trust and relationship, hopefully, the cycle of violence can be thwarted and stopped.

Domestic Violence Officer : Kim Coney (kconey@newtonma.gov), works Monday –Friday 7:30 am to 3:30 p.m. She can be reached at 617 796-2161. The Domestic Violence Office is located at 25 Chestnut St. W. Newton Mass. 02465

Chapter 209A : Section 1. Definitions:

Section 1. As used in this chapter the following words shall have the following meanings:

“Abuse”, the occurrence of one or more of the following acts between family or household members:

(a) attempting to cause or causing physical harm;

(b) placing another in fear of imminent serious physical harm;

(c) causing another to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force, threat or duress.

“Court”, the superior, probate and family, district or Boston municipal court departments of the trial court, except when the petitioner is in a dating relationship when “Court” shall mean district, probate, or Boston municipal courts.

“Family or household members”, persons who:

(a) are or were married to one another;

(b) are or were residing together in the same household;

(c) are or were related by blood or marriage;

(d) having a child in common regardless of whether they have ever married or lived together; or

(e) are or have been in a substantive dating or engagement relationship, which shall be adjudged by district, probate or Boston municipal courts consideration of the following factors:

the length of time of the relationship; (2) the type of relationship; (3) the frequency of interaction between the parties; and (4) if the relationship has been terminated by either person, the length of time elapsed since the termination of the relationship.

“Law officer”, any officer authorized to serve criminal process.

“Protection order issued by another jurisdiction”, any injunction or other order issued by a court of another state, territory or possession of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia, or tribal court that is issued for the purpose of preventing violent or threatening acts or harassment against, or contact or communication with or physical proximity to another person, including temporary and final orders issued by civil and criminal courts filed by or on behalf of a person seeking protection.

“Vacate order”, court order to leave and remain away from a premises and surrendering forthwith any keys to said premises to the plaintiff. The defendant shall not damage any of the plaintiff’s belongings or those of any other occupant and shall not shut off or cause to be shut off any utilities or mail delivery to the plaintiff. In the case where the premises designated in the vacate order is a residence, so long as the plaintiff is living at said residence, the defendant shall not interfere in any way with the plaintiff’s right to possess such residence, except by order or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to appropriate civil eviction proceedings, a petition to partition real estate, or a proceeding to divide marital property. A vacate order may include in its scope a household, a multiple family dwelling and the plaintiff’s workplace. When issuing an order to vacate the plaintiff’s workplace, the presiding justice must consider whether the plaintiff and defendant work in the same location or for the same employer.

Warning Signs

It isn't always easy for partners to see abuse coming. Yet, there are often behaviors and attitudes that can make potential violence easier to spot.

• Does your partner insist you're the only one who understands him/her, act
  as if his/her whole world depends on your love; show excessive jealousy, discourage you from seeing family and friends or put you down in public?
• Do you feel like you can't do anything right, no matter how hard you try?
• Do you ever feel afraid for yourself or your children?
• Do you feel your thoughts, opinions and feelings don't matter in your own home?
• Does your partner brag about using violence to settle conflicts and/or have a history of using violence?
• Does your partner check up on you, need to know where you are all the time, make all the decisions and/or makes fun of your opinion and thoughts?
• Do you worry a lot about how your partner will react to things you say or do?
• Has your partner hit, pushed, choked, restrained, kicked or physically intimidated you?
• If you are an immigrant, has your partner threatened or tried to turn you in to authorities and get you deported?
• Does your partner use drugs or alcohol and/or pressures you to take them?

If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, you may want to share this with family and friends who you feel will understand and support you. You may also want to call a domestic violence hotline or seek supportive counseling to get more information and support while you think through what is happening in your relationship.

Just remember you do not deserve to be hurt in your relationship.

There are others who might be helpful to you. Think about whom you feel safe talking with about what you are experiencing:

• family members
• teacher or school counselor
• friends
• neighbors or others in your community
• priest, minister, rabbi or spiritual leader
• doctor or nurse
• police officer
• Victim Witness Advocates in district court

Getting Help

If your partner has abused you, it is not your fault. There is help available to you. You can call Safelink , the Massachusetts Statewide 24 hour hotline at 1-877-785-2020 .

This is a confidential and free hotline. You do not have to give your name or any identifying information when you call. Someone is always on hand to listen and offer information about what resources are available to you.

If you think you need to leave your home in order to be safe, the hotline can also help you find shelter and other resources. Not everyone calls looking for this, though. If you just want to talk, you'll find someone at the hotline anytime, day or night. The staff is ready to listen to what you've been experiencing and provide emotional support. They can also connect you with local services if you need them.

Local Services

Local services may provide: a supportive staff help with planning for your safety emergency shelter support groups and individual counseling legal assistance services for your children

If you would like to know more about services in your city or town, visit the Jane Doe, Inc., statewide on-line resource guide at www.janedoe.org . You can also call 411 or the hotline for more information. Ask for domestic violence services in your area. Some other services include but not limited to:

Police

The police can assist you if your partner has abused you. Not everyone who has been abused calls the police, but it is important for you to know you can call 911 if you feel you need their protection, especially in emergencies.

Restraining Orders (209A)

If your partner has abused you can apply for a restraining order. A restraining order can direct an abuser:

To stop violent, abusive and threatening behavior

To leave and stay away from your home and your workplace

It can also give victims of violence temporary custody of their children.

Getting a restraining order does not mean the batterer will be automatically arrested.

However, restraining orders do not always make things safer for you. In fact, in some instances they may increase the offender’s level of violence. You may want to talk over your particular situation with a hotline staff member, the police or an advocate provided by the courts or a shelter. An advocate can help fill out paperwork and stay with you for support if you want.

You can get a restraining order in court during a weekday. You can also get one through your local police 24 hours a day. For more information about qualifying for a restraining order and what they can do for you please see the Massachusetts Attorney General web-site at http://www.ago.state.ma.us.

A restraining order can also have other implications for you if you or your batterer are immigrants or refugees. If you are an immigrant or refugee you can find more information at www.tapestri.org.

Family, Friends and Co-workers

You may feel alone in all the things you are experiencing, but 1 out of 3 women and 1 out of 14 men will experience some form of abuse in their lifetime. You may feel shame and/or a sense that you should keep things that are happening to you a secret to protect your partner.

However, there may be people around you who can be helpful during this time. Family, friends, coworkers or others in your community may be a resource you have not used. Think about who is around you that you would feel safe talking with. Also think about what other trustworthy adults are in your children’s lives as they could be an additional support.

Here are some things to consider:

Are there people you can talk to confidentially?

Are there neighbors or others who can help you if there is a crisis? For example, can someone agree to call the police if they hear loud noises or if you yell for help?

Are there people who can help you if you need to get away?

Are there people who can talk to your partner?

If you are a family member, friend or co-worker of someone you think is being abused let them know in a private and discrete way that you would like to be helpful. Listen in a non-judgmental way and be informed about some of the possible resources and services in your area.

Safety Planning

If you are in an abusive relationship, there are some additional ways you can help protect yourself and your children.

Keep important phone numbers handy and teach children when and how to use them.

If it is safe tell neighbors, family members, and/or friends about any violence and instruct them to call 911 if they see or hear anything suspicious.

Make a list of safe places to go in an emergency such as family, a shelter, police, and friends.

Try to put money aside in a separate savings account in a different bank.

Create a code word for your children and friends so they can call for help.

Keep copies of important documents or keys in a safe place outside your home. If you are an immigrant or refugee birth certificates, passports, and green cards are particularly important.

Compile a list of important things to take when leaving the house.

Call a local or statewide battered women’s program to discuss specific safety planning strategies.

Emergency Check List

Items to Remember When Leaving :

Identification

Welfare information

Birth Certificates; yours and your children's

Passports

Social Security cards

Divorce papers

School & medical records

Lease/rental agreement/house deed

Money, bankbooks, credit cards

Insurance papers

Keys to house/car/office

Address book/picture of abuser

Driver's license and registration

Items of sentimental value/jewelry

Medications

Children's favorite toys and/or blankets

What You Need To Take When You Leave

Identification

Children's Birth Certificates

Driver's License and Registration

Social Security Cards for you and your children

Social Security Number for partner

Your Birth Certificate

Financial

ATM Card

Bank Books

Checkbooks

Credit Cards

Money

Savings Books

Legal Papers

Car registration and Insurance Papers

Custody Papers

Divorce Papers

Green Card

Health and Life Insurance Papers and Cards

Lease, Rental Agreement, House Deed, Mortgage Payment Book

Order For Protection/Harassment Restraining Order

Work Permits

Visa

Other

Address Book

Change of clothes for yourself and children

Children's Small Toys

Computer Disks Containing Essential Information

Items Of Special Sentimental Value

Jewelry

Keys - House, Car, Office, Safety Deposit Box

Medical Records For All Family Members

Medications

Pictures of yourself, children and abuser

School and Vaccination Records

Small Saleable Objects

Toiletries/diapers

For more information on safety planning, go to Jane Doe, Inc., National Coalition Against Domestic Violence or Pro jectinterface

Victims of Violent Crime Compensation:

Violent crime impacts every aspect of a person’s life. The resulting physical and psychological injuries can affect a person’s ability to work, go to school, and meet their own individual goals and aspirations. Often victims may require treatment to address the injuries caused by the violent acts of another. The monetary expenses incurred – after losing a loved one, for medical and dental care, for psychological assistance, and by injuries resulting in an inability to work – should not serve to further victimize those who are affected by violent crime.

Through the Victim Compensation Division, the Attorney General’s Office is able to provide financial assistance to eligible victims of violent crime for uninsured medical and dental care, mental health counseling, funeral and burial costs, and loss of income or financial support as a result of crime-related injury. Our division uses funds obtained from perpetrators, and can assist with expenses up to a maximum of $25,000 per crime. Experienced staff within this division will assist victims in understanding their rights as a crime victim, determining what expenses may be eligible for compensation, and assessing what other resources are available to assist them.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of violent crime, please contact the Victim Compensation staff at the Office of Attorney General Martha Coakley for further assistance, at (617) 727-2200. For further information about victim rights and victim services, visit the Reporting a Violent Crime section of our web-site.

Who is eligible?

Victims of violent crime occurring in Massachusetts

Dependents and family members of homicide victims

Any person responsible for the funeral expenses of a homicide victim

What are the requirements?

The crime must have been reported to police within five days unless there is good cause for delay.

You must cooperate with law enforcement officials in the investigation and prosecution of the crime unless there is a reasonable excuse not to cooperate.

You must apply for compensation within three years of the crime. Victims under the age of 18 at the time of the crime may apply until age 21, or later in certain limited circumstances.

What expenses are covered?

To the extent insurance or other funds do not cover your expenses, you may be reimbursed for:

Medical and dental expenses (including equipment, supplies and medications)

Counseling expenses (for victims, for family members of homicide victims, and for children who witness violence against a family member)

Funeral/burial costs up to $4,000

Lost wages (for victims only)

Loss of financial support (for dependents of homicide victims)

Homemaker expenses

Expenses not covered: property losses, compensation for pain and suffering, and all other losses

To Apply

Complete the "Application For Crime Victim Compensation" and return it to the Victim Compensation and Assistance Division for verification.

Office of Attorney General Martha Coakley
Victim Compensation & Assistance Division
One Ashburton Place, 19th floor
Boston, MA 02108-1698
(617) 727-2200
(617) 742-6262 fax

In general, you will receive a decision 4 to 6 months later. Your claim can be reopened for future expenses.

Victim Compensation: Financial Assistance for Victims of Crime in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (PDF)

Compensación Para Víctimas: Asistencia Financiera Para Víctimas del Crimen en el Estado de Massachusetts (PDF) (Victim Compensation: Financial Assistance for Victims of Crime in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Spanish)

If you need help now call the police at 9-1-1 or SafeLink at 1-877-785-2020
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Civil Rights Violations :
The CSB investigates all bias-related incidents (hate crimes/hate incidents). One of the most sensitive areas of investigations involves bias-related incidents. Hate has permeated history throughout the ages and has no boundaries. It can be found in every town, city, state, region and country. Newton is not exempt. Persons have a right under the constitutions of the United States and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts not to be interfered with, intimidated, threatened, victimized or oppressed. Citizens should not have their personal freedoms infringed upon because of who they are. The CSB thoroughly investigates every bias-related incident that is brought to our attention. The department’s officers receive additional training on identifying and dealing with these incidents. The CSB alsoworks very closely with the Newton Human Rights Commission , Anti-Defamation Leagu e and the Civi l Rights Division of the Massachusetts Attorney Ge neral’s Office . These partnerships ensure that victims of these crimes receive the utmost possible assistance.
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Media Relations :
As the Department’s media liaison, we pride ourselves in working with them and not against them. The CSB provides the necessary information to keep the public informed. Those who have been arrested will have their names and addresses released to the media and those who have had criminal complaints taken out against them will not. Pertinent information, including PRESS RELEAS ES , which can be helpful to the community will be released in a timely manner. By keeping our citizens informed and on alert, we can work together to help each other.

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Lt. Bruce M. Apotheker
COMMANDER
Community Services Bureau