DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
FAMILY SERVICES UNIT



This specialized unit was established in 1996 within the Southbridge Police Department. Officers are frequently sent to violence related training courses to continually monitor and modify our departments anti-violence programs.

Officers act as liaisons between our department and different organizations to ensure continuity of safety for the victims. Those contact organizations include:
New Hope
Day Break
Battered Shelters
Department of Social Services
Catholic Charities
Southbridge Community Coalition
Local Hospitals
Sgt. Gerald Arvelo is responsible for monitoring all domestic violence related investigations. His duties include filing all domestic violence related paperwork, and keeping restraining orders within the town of Southbridge up to date. He is responsible for follow-up investigations, including home visits and phone calls. He is also responsible for filing all paperwork to other agencies as may be required depending on the incident.

The unit is on call 24 hours a day and is often used to provide transportation for victims to court. The unit is also able to provide cell phones to victims who are in need of communication services. The unit serves as an invaluable service not only to the police department, but to the entire community.

Below is a list of agencies, phone numbers and the services they provide. Please feel free to contact Officer Arvelo at the Southbridge Police Department with any questions or concerns, or a situation that needs attention.
For immediate service for a domestic violence situation in progress please dial 911.

National Domestic Violence Hot Line: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Disabled Abuse Hot Line: 1-800-426-9009
Elder Abuse Hot Line: 1-800-922-2275
 
New Hope, Inc. 24 hour emergency hot line
1-800-323-HOPE (4673)
 
6 River Court Emergency Shelter
Webster, MA 01570 Individual Counseling
Phone: (508) 949-0452 Support Groups
FAX: (508) 949-6482 Legal Advocacy
Education and Training

Catholic Charities / Worcester County
79 Elm St
Southbridge, MA 01550-2601
(508) 765-5936
FAX (508) 764-4153


Worcester County District Attorney's Office: (508) 755-8601
Domestic Violence Unit: (508) 797-4334
Victim Witness Advocate: (508) 792-0214



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