Safe Exit 
Since opening our doors in 1982, we have helped approximately 1,200 - 1,400 adults and children each year move from crisis to safety and long-term independence.
If you or someone you care about needs to leave an unhealthy relationship or are simply seeking more information about domestic violence, we have programs to meet your individual needs. In addition to advocacy, clinical and legal services are available to survivors free of charge.
We offer both in-person and remote advocacy and telehealth services.
Our Services
24-Hour Crisis Hotline
We are available to listen and assist callers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline provides support, information and reassurance. 978-388-1888
Crisis Counseling
Our trained professional advocates can provide assistance with safety planning and basic needs in times of crisis.
Advocacy and Support
Our highly trained advocates provide safe, confidential support. They will discuss your situation with you and outline the options available to you. They are also available to help you stabilize your housing and finances; provide emergency financial assistance; assist with budgeting; and help you determine what your next steps should be and how they can support you in that process.
Therapeutic Services
We provide a wide range of evidence-based and proven therapies that enable adult and child survivors to heal from trauma.
Support Groups
We offer weekly support groups to help survivors of domestic violence realize they are not alone, begin the process of healing, and learn from the experiences of others.
Survivor-Led Groups
We have a number of opportunities to join groups for survivors and led by survivors, to be in community with each other, help inform organization services and programs, and explore creativity and healing.
Legal Representation and Assistance
Comprehensive legal services empower survivors in ways that other services cannot. Volunteer advocates and our staff attorney assist in the courts with a wide variety of legal matters such as divorce, custody, visitation, child support, housing and immigration. The Center’s volunteer court advocates are located at the Newburyport District Court, five days a week, to answer questions, explain the civil restraining order process, help file abuse prevention orders, and conduct safety planning.
Housing Assistance
At this time, we can assist with housing applications and referrals to other housing resources, as well as help apply to and find resources for rental assistance.
Children's Safety Program
We provide safe, supportive interventions for child survivors of domestic violence. Working to break the cycle of violence, we provide clinical assessment and evaluation, individual counseling and family therapy, as well as educational and therapeutic groups and programs for children and adolescents.
Childcare
We offer limited free childcare during appointments or groups.
Intimate Partner Abuse Education
We facilitate educational intervention for individuals who are—or have been—abusive in intimate relationships. Our main objective is the safety of the partners and ex-partners of the individuals in our program. We also monitor participants’ behavior and collaborate with the courts, police and protective service agencies to hold people who use violence accountable for their actions. This is a 40-week program certified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that is paid for by the participant.