Massachusetts Enhances Law Enforcement Guidelines on Domestic Violence

In a significant move to strengthen responses to domestic violence, the Healey-Driscoll Administration in Massachusetts has announced updated law enforcement guidelines. These guidelines, introduced in October 2023, are designed to improve the way law enforcement addresses domestic violence incidents and are informed by the state’s ongoing commitment to combat abuse and exploitation.

According to a news release from the Massachusetts government, the revised protocols stem from the Healey administration’s recently enacted legislation, known as An Act to prevent abuse and exploitation. This law notably expands the definition of abuse to encompass “coercive control,” a crucial aspect in understanding the dynamics of domestic violence. Governor Maura Healey emphasized the importance of these guidelines, stating, “These updated guidelines will make sure our law enforcement officers have everything they need to be prepared to protect and support victims and survivors of domestic violence.”

The revised guidelines have been shaped by the experiences of survivors, with a clear focus on ensuring their safety and well-being. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll highlighted the necessity of trauma-informed responses from law enforcement, indicating that these updates will enhance protection efforts for victims.

Key Enhancements to Law Enforcement Protocols

The updates resulted from extensive collaboration among various stakeholders, including officials from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking. This collaborative approach aims to address critical gaps in the current domestic violence response systems. Among the key enhancements are a broadened definition of abuse, revised 911 response procedures, updated protocols for child support in domestic violence cases, and new practices related to strangulation, stalking, and firearm handling in accordance with the 2024 Modernizing Firearm Laws Act.

Interim Public Safety and Security Secretary Susan W. Terrey expressed her support for the updated guidelines, stating that they will “ensure consistency across all our departments while prioritizing victim safety and officer effectiveness.” These guidelines are now available to all law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts and will be integrated into the Municipal Police Training Committee‘s upcoming in-service training cycle for the 2025-2026 period.

The administration is also encouraging individuals experiencing domestic violence to utilize available resources, such as the SafeLink hotline and the statewide resources page. Vilma Uribe, Executive Director for the Governor’s Council, praised the collaborative effort in refreshing these protocols, aiming to create a stronger safety net for survivors and improve coordination with law enforcement.

For further details on the updated guidelines and additional resources, individuals can visit the official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This proactive initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to enhancing support for victims of domestic violence and ensuring a safer environment for all residents.