Victim Assistance

The Victim Witness Assistance Program of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office provides information, support, and assistance to witnesses, victims of crime, and their family members at no cost. SCDAO provides these services to all Suffolk County crime victims, witnesses and survivors without discrimination. Our Civil Rights Grievance Policy is available here.

Victims of Child Abuse

Children are among the most vulnerable people we serve. Survivors of child abuse, who have often been hurt by the very people responsible for their safety and wellbeing, confront special challenges when it comes to disclosing that harm. They may: blame themselves; fear retaliation or disbelief; or have conflicted emotions about reporting abuse by a family member they depended on.

Domestic Violence Victims

Intimate partner and family violence occurs across all racial, gender, sexual orientation, religious, social, and economic demographics. It’s important for victims to know that our office provides dedicated and compassionate professionals who will listen closely, help ensure their safety, and hold their abusers accountable.

Civil Rights/High-Risk Victims Unit

The staff of the Civil Rights and High-Risk Victims Unit handles civil rights cases, hate crimes, and supports older adults and individuals with physical or developmental disabilities who have been victimized by crime. Prosecutors and advocates know the importance of investigating and trying these cases in such a way as to maintain the dignity of the victims while ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their crimes.

Victims of Hate Crimes

Absolutely everyone has the right to feel safe and to be treated with respect and dignity. In Suffolk County, any reported crime motivated by bias based on race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability is reviewed by a senior prosecutor to ensure that the offense is properly charged under the applicable Massachusetts laws.

Survivors of Homicide Victims

As a society, we recognize that there is no crime more egregious than murder. And as a community, we know that the aftermath of homicide, regardless of the circumstances, takes a terrible and lasting toll on the loved ones left behind and the communities impacted.

Victims of Human Trafficking

Despite its portrayal in popular culture as harmless and even glamorous, prostitution is anything but. Survivors of human trafficking often come from backgrounds of trauma, substance use disorder, and other concerns that leave them reluctant to turn to police and prosecutors for help.

Sexual Assault Victims

Sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of their age, ethnicity, gender, or orientation. Understanding that many survivors may be reluctant to report an assault for any number of reasons, our prosecutors, victim witness advocates, and partner agencies are committed to providing a safe, confidential, and victim-centered environment to discuss services and options.

Undocumented Immigrant Victims

This office recognizes that undocumented immigrant crime victims may be hesitant to interact with law enforcement out of fear of potential immigration consequences. For this reason, certain undocumented victims are eligible to apply for special visas to assist in seeking justice for victims and the community.