Jane Doe, Inc., The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, defines domestic violence as,

“a wide range of behaviors where one person is exerting power and control over a spouse, dating partner and/or adult family member regarding their choices, beliefs, and actions. Also referred to as domestic abuse, partner abuse, or intimate partner violence, domestic violence is a pattern of behavior, not a single act, and it can be physical, verbal, sexual, emotional, and/or financial.”

Statistics help us to see that domestic violence in prevalent in many homes across the nation. The Dedham Police Department (DPD) takes this very seriously and takes an attentive and unique approach to try to assist those who are affected to get help. The DPD continues to be a leader in providing safety and information to victims of domestic violence. As a proactive department, the DPD is committed to responding to those calls with caution, care and empathy and understands that not only are the victims affected but the children as well. Statistics also reveal that children who witness violence are significantly more likely to suffer emotional trauma which if not addressed can lead to addictions, emotional disorders, anxiety and decreased self-esteem.

Police Departments and Domestic Violence Agencies have long been responding to domestic violence in communities. The Civilian Domestic Violence Advocacy Program was created in 2009 in a part time capacity for the Quincy and Randolph Police Departments after responding to the awareness that DOVE needed to create more access points for services to those experiencing violence within their relationships and an acknowledgment that Police Departments and Domestic Violence Agencies working together provides better support for survivors. 

Since the inception of this program in 2009, DOVE’s CDVA program has reached out by phone or by letter to thousands of people who have been involved in the incidents of domestic violence the police have responded to, resulting in hundreds of successful conversations informing those involved with important information and resources they otherwise would not have received. The safety planning done during those important conversations has not only made those people safer, it has saved and changed lives. 

Continuing with a long-time relationship with DOVE, the Civilian Domestic Violence Advocate from DOVE reaches out to all victims named in Dedham Police Department’s domestic violence reports to offer support, information on rights, navigation through the legal system and explains available options. This Advocate also assists in the restraining order process at Dedham District Court every Monday.

Contact Information

Please contact Dedham's Civilian Domestic Violence Advocate, Sarah Kinnane, at 857-939-3058 or sarah.kinnane@dovema.org if you have questions or need assistance.