Domestic Violence Resources

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior in which one person in a relationship uses physical, emotional, verbal, financial, or sexual abuse to exert power and control over their partner.

Domestic abuse can occur in all intimate relationships regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or socio-economic level.

The Reading Police Department has partnered with RESPOND, Inc. to support victims of domestic violence. A Certified Domestic Violence Counselor from RESPOND is stationed in the Reading Police Department two days a week.

RESPOND's Community Services are available to all survivors of domestic violence and are free and confidential. 

RESPOND's Community Services

  • 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at Phone Number: 617-623-5900 provides emotional support, resource referrals, information on legal options, statewide shelter availability, and community resources.
  • Emergency Shelter which provides safe housing to victims and their families fleeing domestic violence. The RESPOND shelter accepts individuals of all races, genders, sexual orientations, and ages and is wheelchair accessible and ADA approved.
  • Individual counseling and support groups help survivors to define and meet their goals regarding safety, housing, employment, health care, legal issues, divorce, custody, and education.
  • Legal Support that provides individuals with court accompaniment, assistance accessing legal aid services, and help with diverse legal issues including restraining orders, child custody, and immigration. Staff maintains a weekly presence in the Woburn District Courts and works closely with the victim-witness advocate program run by the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office.
  • High-Risk Assessment Teams designed to minimize harm or lethality to survivors of high-risk domestic abuse cases by providing a multidisciplinary approach to coordinate a community response including immediate crisis interventions and long-term stabilization of survivors of domestic violence and identifying, monitoring, and containing high-risk offenders.
  • Outreach and Education Activities address the root causes of domestic violence via community education and outreach initiatives designed to raise public awareness about domestic violence, educate the community to recognize signs of abuse, and promote healthy relationships. Staff commonly provides training for law enforcement officials, healthcare professionals, local civic and religious groups, high school and college students, and other human service providers.

To get in touch with the counselor stationed at RPD or for more information on services, danger signs, or safety planning contact RESPOND.