Domestic Violence

Types of Abuse

Domestic abuse is a pattern of behaviors involving:
  • Economic abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse
These types of abuse can occur alone or in combination, by an intimate partner often for the purpose of establishing or maintaining power and control over the other partner. While domestic violence occurs in all types of relationships it is overwhelmingly a problem of violence perpetrated by men against women.

Abuse Victims

A person may be a victim of domestic abuse if someone is:
  • Attempting to cause or causing physical harm
  • Causing another to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force, threat or duress
  • Placing another in fear of imminent serious physical harm

State Law

  • Under the Abuse Prevention Act (Chapter 209A), you can obtain a temporary restraining order. Orders are available at Westborough District Court:
    186 Oak Street
    Westborough, MA 01581
    Open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • Orders are also available at other times through the local police and on-call judge.
  • You do not have to hire a lawyer or pay a fee, but your relationship with the abuser must be:
    • In a dating or engagement relationship
    • Living in same household
    • Married or formerly married
    • Parents of 1 or more children
    • Related by blood or marriage

Restraining Order

A full restraining order will provide you with the following:
  • Grants temporary support for minors
  • Orders the abuser to stop abusing you
  • Prevents direct or indirect contact
  • Requires the abuser to leave the premises

Amending Orders

At any time, you can amend the order to reflect your current situation. If the abuse includes assault and battery, you may press charges.

More Information

There are also several other options if you are a victim of domestic violence. If you are in danger call the Shrewsbury Police at 911.

If you have questions about Domestic Abuse, please call or email Sergeant Michael Cappucci at 508-841-8577. You may also call anyone of these agencies:
  • Advise hotline: 508-842-0056
  • Child Abuse: 800-792-5200
  • Daybreak: 508-755-9030
  • Elder Abuse: 800-922-2275
  • New Hope: 800-323-4673
  • PAVE: 508-797-6100
  • Rape Crisis: 800-870-5905
  • Waves: 508-770-8555