Family Justice Center
Mission
The Family Justice Center (FJC) of Boston fosters collaboration in service to victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. We provide a safe and welcoming environment where individuals and families benefit from the availability of services offered by diverse nonprofit and governmental partner organizations. We are committed to complementing and enhancing the health of victim service organizations throughout Boston. As a hub of cooperative activity, the FJC facilitates continuous learning and serves as a resource center for professional development. We strive to coordinate violence intervention and prevention services that are culturally responsive and accessible to all victims.
Vision
The Family Justice Center of Boston (FJC) is a community of agencies providing direct services to individuals and families in the City of Boston (and beyond) who have been affected by and/or exposed to domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse or human trafficking. Collectively, FJC Partners strive to (a) be a vibrant and dynamic collector, incubator and disseminator of the best learning and knowledge about issues affecting those exposed; and (b) prevent these harms.
Justice for victims will mean that:
Police, prosecutors and service providers collaborate closely and offer coordinated responses which minimize additional trauma and promote the safety, dignity, well-being and rights of all.
Law enforcement and criminal justice practices reflect a deep understanding of the dynamics of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault.
Useful information about available services and support reaches everyone who needs it.
Governmental and community-based organizations are culturally responsive; provide appropriate, accessible and equitable services to all who need them; and are accountable to the communities that they serve.
There are no gaps in service or “cracks in the system”.
Victims are respected and are never blamed for the violence and abuse.
Child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault are not socially tolerated.
Rates of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault are reduced until we are able to stop these crimes entirely.
989 Commonwealth Ave. 
Boston MA 02215
(617) 779-2100
9am-5pm, Monday-Friday
Hours for individual FJC Partner organizations vary.
No appointment is necessary.
Feel free to drop in or call for more information.
The FJC is located near the intersection of Commonwealth Ave. and Babcock St., one block west of Boston University’s Agganis Arena and next door to the MATCH School.
By the “T”: Take the Green Line “B” train (Boston College) to either the Pleasant Street or the Babcock Street stop; both are less than one block from the FJC.
On the MBTA Bus: Take any of the following bus routes to Kenmore Square: 8, 57, 60, 65, 8A. At Kenmore Square, transfer to the outbound “B” train (see “T” directions above) or take the 57 bus towards Watertown Yard and get off at the Brighton Ave. stop (near Shaw’s supermarket). Walk a few blocks east, toward downtown Boston.
Parking: Metered parking is available on the street. Ask about special parking for clients at the front desk.
Driving:
- Take I-93 or Route 1 South to Boston. Exit onto Storrow Drive.
- Continue on Storrow Drive to the Kenmore Square Exit.
- At the first set of lights, turn right onto Beacon Street.
- Bear right at the far end of Kenmore Square onto Commonwealth Avenue.
- Continue on Commonwealth Avenue to 989 Commonwealth Ave (approximately 1 mile).
- Take I-93 Route 3 (Southeast Expressway) North to Boston. Exit onto Storrow Drive.
- Continue on Storrow Drive to the Kenmore Square Exit.
- At the first set of lights, turn right onto Beacon Street.
- Bear right at the far end of Kenmore Square onto Commonwealth Avenue.
- Continue on Commonwealth Avenue to 989 Commonwealth Ave (approximately 1 mile).
- Take the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) East. Take Exit 18 on the left (Brighton/Cambridge).
- Follow Signs to Cambridge. At the second set of lights, turn right.
- Continue on Storrow Drive to the Kenmore Square Exit.
- At the first set of lights, turn right onto Beacon Street.
- Bear right at the far end of Kenmore Square onto Commonwealth Avenue.
- Continue on Commonwealth Avenue to 989 Commonwealth Ave (approximately 1 mile).
If you need help, the Family Justice Center is here for you.
Is there someone in your life who is violent or controlling toward you?
Have you been sexually assaulted, either by a stranger or by someone you know?
Are you concerned that your child may have been abused?
The Family Justice Center (FJC) of Boston provides a safe and welcoming environment where you can talk about your experiences and explore your options. You may need help finding your way through the legal system and understanding your rights as a victim. You may want to know if and how your child has been harmed, and by whom. You may be looking for the support that you need to stay safe and start over.
At the FJC, individuals and families have access to a wide range of free services offered by a diverse group of partner organizations. Our Partners can listen and provide information and support while you consider whether or not to seek help from the police or prosecutors. They can conduct forensic interviews and specialized medical exams for children and youth. They can provide counseling, advocacy and help with restraining orders, family law and immigration issues. They can help you obtain financial assistance and discover new options for housing, education and employment. FJC Partners will also help connect you with other community-based services and government programs that can open up even more possibilities.
FJC Partners are here to serve all victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse – including non-English speakers, immigrants (regardless of your status) and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals.
Childcare is provided during your visit.
All services are offered free of charge.
The Family Justice Center (FJC) of Boston is a program of the Boston Public Health Commission.
Emergency Contact Information
If you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1 for police or medical assistance.
24-hour Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault & Child Abuse Resources
SafeLink
Hotline: 1-877-785-2020
Linea Segura Contra La Violencia Domestica: 1-877-785-2020
SafeLink is the Massachusetts statewide domestic violence hotline and is operated by Casa Myrna Vazquez, Inc. www.casamyrna.org External Link in Boston. SafeLink is answered by trained advocates 24 hours a day in English, Spanish and TTY (1-877-521-2601). It also has the capacity to provide multilingual translation in more than 140 languages. An advocate can talk with you about your needs and help you identify shelters, programs and other resources. They can connect you to services for both domestic violence and sexual assault.
Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project
Hotline: 1-800-832-1901
www.gmdvp.org External Link
The Network/La Red
Ending Abuse in Lesbian, Bisexual Women’s and Transgender Communities
Hotline: 617-742-4911 TTY 617-227-4911
Linea de Crisis: 617-742-4911
www.thenetworklared.org External Link
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)
Hotline: 1-617-492-RAPE
Hotline: 1-800-841-8371
www.barcc.org External Link
Linea directa para sobrevivientes de abuso sexual
Llamanos: 800-223-5001
TTY: 1-800-688-4889 (Pida por una conexion directa)
Department of Social Services, Child-at-Risk Hotline
1-800-792-5200
On-Site Partners and Services
FJC Partners are here to serve all victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse-including non-English speakers, immigrants (regardless of your status) and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals.
Childcare is provided during your visit.
All services are offered free of charge.
Advocacy and Counseling
for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Advocates & counselors can talk with you about your experiences, help you explore your options, identify support services, consider whether or not you want to seek help from the police and/or District Attorney’s Office and find ways to help you keep yourself and your children safe.
* Association of Haitian Women in Boston/ Asosiyasyon Fanm Ayisyen nan Boston (AFAB)
* Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)
* Casa Myrna Vasquez
* Finex House/Kim’s Project
* Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project (GMDVP)
* Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS)
* The Network/La Red
* My Life, My Choice
Civil Legal Assistance
for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
An attorney can provide legal assistance and/or referrals to help with restraining orders, family law (custody, visitation, child and spousal support, divorce and paternity), housing, education, privacy, employment, welfare and immigration issues.
* GLBT Domestic Violence Attorney Program
Children’s and Youth Services
Staff from the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) and its partner agencies can help with crisis intervention, information and referrals, forensic interviews and specialized medical exams, trauma evaluation and counseling, and victim support and advocacy for children, teens and their families.
Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County
CAC’s Partners
* Child Witness to Violence Project of Boston Medical Center
* MA Department of Social Services
* MA Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
* MA Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (PediSANE)
* The Trauma Center at JRI
Boston Police Department / Family Justice Division
Police Detectives investigate reported crimes involving domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault. Police Advocates make referrals, explain police procedures, and to provide safety planning, with or without a report to the police.
* Domestic Violence Unit
* Crimes Against Children Unit
* MA Human Trafficking Task Force
* Sexual Assault Unit
Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office
Prosecutors are available to talk with you about court cases. Victim Witness Advocates can answer questions about the criminal justice process, restraining orders, victim rights information, safety planning and referrals to community resources.
* Family Protection and Sexual Assault Unit
Other Supportive Services
* Dress for Success Boston
* FJC Child Care Service
