Community Resources

There are many agencies and organizations throughout the state listed below that can offer assistance to victims of hate incidents and hate crimes. They can also provide further referrals depending on the victim’s needs.

Community Groups and Support Services

Asian American Resource Workshop – Provides advocacy, support and referral services to Asian American victims. (617) 426-5313 http://www.aarw.org

Fenway Community Health Center’s Violence Recovery Program – Provides counseling, support services and referrals to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered victims. (617) 267-0900 or (800) 242-0900 http://www.fenwayhealth.org

Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) – Provides legal assistance, translation and referral services to Sikh victims (877) 917-4547 http://www.saldef.org/

La Alianza Hispana – Provides support and referral services to Latino victims of violence. (617) 427-7175

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America – Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is a non-partisan, grassroots movement of Americans demanding common-sense solutions to the gun violence that endangers our children, families and communities. They advocate for stronger laws and evidence-based policies that will reduce gun violence and save lives. https://www.facebook.com/MomsdemandactionMA.org

NAACP – Provides counseling and referral services to African American victims and other victims of color. Boston (617) 427- 9494; Brockton (508) 584-3977; Cambridge (617) 661-9223; Lynn (781) 596-2227; Martha’s Vineyard (508) 696-5785; Merrimack Valley (978) 975-5177; Mystic Valley, Springfield and NE Area Conference (RI NH, ME, VT, MA) (617) 323-8885; New Bedford (508) 991-4416; South Middlesex (508) 879-7612; Worcester (508) 757-2222 http://www.naacp.org

South Shore Duxbury Chapter of Great Boston PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People). – Meetings every fourth Monday of the month at 7:30 pm, First Parish Church, 842 Tremont Street (Rte. 3A) Duxbury, MA., For additional information on South Shore Duxbury PFLAG, send an e-mail to DuxburyPFLAG@gmail.com

Legal Resources

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders – Provides free legal information, referrals and representation to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and persons with HIV/AIDS. (800) 455-GLAD (4523) or (617) 426-1350 http://www.glad.org

Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights – Provides free legal services and information to victims of hate crimes motivated by race or national origin. (617) 482-1145 http://www.lawyerscom.org

District Attorney Offices

Barnstable , Dukes and Nantucket Counties Main : (508) 362-8113 VWA: (508) 362-8103

Plymouth County Main : (508) 584-8120 VWA: same

Office of the Attorney General, One Ashburton Place, Boston , MA 02108 tel: (617) 727-2200, TTY: (617) 727-4765 http://www.ago.state.ma.us

Civil Rights Division – Can go to court to obtain a civil rights injunction for a victim. Also works with local police on hate crime investigations. Provides training to schools and law enforcement. (617) 727-2200 http://www.ago.state.ma.us

Victim Compensation and Assistance Program – Handles victim compensation claims. (617) 727-2200 http://www.ago.state.ma.us

Community Relations Service of the U.S. Dept. of Justice – Provides assistance to organizations and communities experiencing serious racial/ethnic conflicts and violence by way of mediation and conciliation. (617) 424-5715 http://www.usdoj.gov/crs

Governor’s Task Force on Hate Crimes – Provides information on statewide hate crimes and identifies agencies, resources, and support mechanisms. http://www.mass.gov/StopHate

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination – MCAD is responsible for enforcing the Commonwealth’s anti-discrimination laws in order to protect, preserve, and enhance the civil rights of its citizens. (617) 994-6000 http://www.mass.gov/mcad/index.html

Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance – General assistance to crime victims through advocacy, referrals and support services. (617) 727-5200