Orange background with white text stating: "Intimate partner violence cases account for 15% of violent crimes. Get help through Boston services today.
An infographic titled "One in Three" features three hand icons and highlights that 34% of Massachusetts women and 32% of men experience physical, sexual, stalking, or partner violence in their lifetime. Boston residents are encouraged to get help at their local rape crisis center.
Set against a green background, white text highlights a crucial fact: "54% of trans and non-binary people have experienced IPV at some point in their lifetimes." If you're in the Boston area, remember there are services available to get help.

Domestic violence (DV) is the assertion of power and control by one person over another within a relationship. It can take many forms, including physical violence, emotional abuse, and sexual violence. It also can impact anyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, or any other identity:

  • Approximately one-third of Massachusetts women (33.9%) and men (31.7%) experience physical, sexual, and/or stalking intimate partner violence during their lifetime.
  • Intimate partner violence cases account for 15% of violent crimes.
  • 45% of female survivors of rape and 29% of male survivors were raped by an intimate partner.
  • Transgender individuals experience intimate partner violence (IPV) at a dramatically higher rate compared with cisgender individuals
  • Transgender students report higher levels of physical (26%) and sexual (23%) dating violence, compared to the rates of physical (15%) and sexual (16%) dating violence reported by their cisgender peers.
  • The 2015 United States Transgender Survey found that more than half (54%) of all trans and non-binary people have experienced IPV at some point in their lifetimes. A study found that transgender people who experienced IPV were likely to have experienced other forms of violence such as sexual assault, transphobic family violence, transphobic school violence, or transphobic violence.

As these statistics show, domestic violence has an impact on all of our communities.  Not only does it directly harm survivors but also the economic, physical, and mental health of our communities.  That is why we all need to do our part to end DV.

Eight Ways You Can Support Survivors this Month:

  1. Learn about the signs of domestic violence.
  2. Concerned about someone in your life? Start a conversation. You can bring up the subject of domestic violence by saying “I’m worried about you because …..” or “I’m concerned about your safety…” Take it slow, let the person know you’re available to listen. If the person does decide to talk, listen without judgment, offering advice, or suggesting solutions.
  3. Survivors can have conflicting feelings about their partner and their situation. It is important to validate their feelings, but you should confirm that violence is not okay, and it isn’t normal to live in fear of being attacked.
  4. Don’t assume, ask! Survivors of domestic violence have already been dealing with their abuser who disregards their wants, needs and boundaries. To help you much respect the survivor’s autonomy. The best way to do that is with one simple question–”How can I help?”
  5. Volunteer with BARCC or another organization that supports DV survivors.  If you don’t have time to volunteer, you can make a monetary donation to support our work with survivors.
  6. Request a training on domestic violence, bystander intervention, or another topic to learn how you can prevent and respond to domestic and sexual violence.
  7. Keep a list of national and local resources on your phone in case someone needs them, including BARCC’s phone and web chat hotline. BARCC has also compiled a list of population-specific resources for domestic and sexual violence survivors.
  8. Follow us on social media–Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter–and sign up for our email list to stay up to date with our work and opportunities to support survivors.

If you or someone you love is a survivor of domestic violence, we are here for you!  Domestic violence and sexual violence are often linked, and our counseling, case management, legal, and many other services are available to all survivors, regardless of your relationship to the person that caused harm.  BARCC is lucky to be in an area with so many other incredible resources, so if you need a service that we don’t provide, our staff will happily connect you with an organization that can help.

There are so many ways to support survivors of DV and prevent violence. What will you do this month?  Share your plan on Instagram, and tag @barccofficial so we can highlight your efforts on our story.

Barcc updates

The Latest from the Blog

  • A woman with long curly hair and a gray scarf stands outdoors in a park, soaking in the autumn foliage.
    Feb 07, 2025 | In the News |

    Immigrant Survivors Need Our Help, Now More Than Ever

    Immigration is an act of courage. For many, the journey to a new country is an escape from violence, oppression, and trauma for a better future.

  • Emily Mellen wearing a medal and holding a water bottle smiles triumphantly after the Boston Marathon, standing in front of a barrier with others celebrating in the background.
    Jan 30, 2025 | Stories of Impact |

    Meet BARCC’s Amazing Boston Marathon Runner, Emily Mellen

    As we move forward, let’s honor Dr. King’s legacy by continuing to stand with survivors, and fight for policies that build a safer world.

  • Nicole Kidman from the movie Babygirl, sipping from a glass of milk while wearing a light-colored shirt.
    Jan 29, 2025 | In the News |

    Babygirl’s EMDR Therapy Scene, Let’s Talk About It

    As we move forward, let’s honor Dr. King’s legacy by continuing to stand with survivors, and fight for policies that build a safer world.

Dedicated to Healing and Empowerment, Advocating for Change.

Together, we can end sexual violence.