Resources for Suffolk County Residents Amid the COVID-19 Crisis

Dear Friends,

I hope this letter finds you well, physically and emotionally, as you adjust to the reality of living through the COVID-19 public health crisis.  This is an exceptionally challenging time for all of us, as we figure out how to maintain our livelihoods, school and care for our children, support our loved ones close by and from afar, and manage our own health vulnerabilities or fears.  

I am so proud of my staff from our Juvenile Alternative Resolution Program who put together this COVID-19 Resource Guide.  It is our hope that this resource will provide you with a starting point for managing many of the aspects of your life that may be changed by the current public health crisis.  My Office, and the wonderful community partners that we work with, are here to support you during this difficult time. 

While social distancing measures are vital to reducing the spread of COVID-19, isolation can create increased risks for victims of domestic violence.  Especially in these times of crisis, we are here to help.  If you are being abused or harassed, please call 911.  Although the Massachusetts Trial Courts are generally closed to the public, exceptions are made for emergency proceedings, including requests for abuse or harassment prevention orders.  Our district and municipal court teams have compiled on-the-ground information about the procedure for obtaining an abuse prevention order in Suffolk County, which is available here.  We will update this resource as new information becomes available.  Additional information, including the necessary forms, is available from the Commonwealth's website about abuse prevention and harassment prevention.

Unfortunately, there are those who hope to financially exploit members of our community in this time of crisis.  The staff assigned to my Special Prosecutions Unit prepared this incredibly helpful guide to COVID-19 Fraud and Protection to prevent individuals from being victimized by scams as we work together to keep our communities strong and healthy amid the public health crisis.

While we’ve seen countless acts of service and compassion during this time of crisis, the pandemic has also exposed the epidemic of hate that has long impacted our communities of color.  In particular, many of our Asian brothers and sisters have experienced acts of discrimination and violence during this time.  We’ve prepared this guide to Discrimination and Disparate Treatment During COVID-19 to provide information and resources.  We are here to serve and protect everyone, no matter your race, ethnicity, gender, identity, or religion. 

Now, more than ever, we must unite together to follow the public health guidelines, take care of one another, and meet the challenges as they come.  I know Suffolk County will emerge from this a more adaptable, capable, and resilient community.

In solidarity,

Rachael Rollins
District Attorney