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.
A note on COVID-19: Though the public health emergency is ending May 11, 2023, we know that this virus will be a reality in our communities for some time to come. We will continue to offer both in-person and remote advocacy and telehealth services for the foreseeable future.
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.
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.
Wellness Workshops
We offer Wellness Workshops several times a year to provide education and information about budgeting, stress reduction, self-esteem and self-care.
Childcare
We offer limited free childcare during appointments or groups.
Rapid Response Teams
We partner with law enforcement in Newburyport, Salisbury and Amesbury to provide survivors with immediate assistance following a call to the police for help. Advocates are available to respond by phone at night and on weekends if survivors need help applying for a civil restraining order.
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.
Intimate Partner Abuse Education
We facilitate educational intervention for people who are—or have been—abusive in intimate relationships. This is a certified 40-week program, and participants are required to attend group meetings every week and to pay for their services. Our staff make contact with the partners and ex-partners of group participants to check on their well-being and offer additional resources and support.