209A Affidavit Tips Brochure (for restraining orders)
This brochure was originally created by the Ware River Valley Domestic Violence Task Force and then adapted by other RNEDV Task Forces for their communities. It gives guidance on filling out an effective affidavit for a restraining order, which can be a confusing and intimidating task, especially if a court advocate is not available. It is useful for survivors as well as police, new advocates, and others who seek to help survivors. The brochure is available in Word for communities who wish to use it as a template.
Judges Panel
Every year the Northwestern District Attorney’s Task Force on Domestic and Sexual Violence and the Franklin County Bar Association host a panel of district and probate judges so that the community has an opportunity to ask questions of judges directly. The panel is moderated by the District Attorney and is intended to create communication and connection between community members, legal professionals and local judges.
Fatality Review
After a murder-suicide in Blandford, MA the Southern Hilltown Domestic Violence Task Force conducted an in-depth fatality review. The widely publicized and circulated review led to significant and long-lasting changes in court and district attorney practices. The review was later used by local district attorney offices to train new staff.
Do You Need a Ride to Court?
When the Ware District Court closed, the Ware River Valley Domestic Violence Task Force worked with the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority who agreed to provide free private rides to the new court in Belchertown for Ware survivors without transportation. The Task Force conducted an outreach campaign about the newly available transportation.
