Did you know that the Spanish American Center has 2 separate initiatives to fight domestic and intimate partner violence in our communities?

Community-Based Domestic Violence (DV) Program

The Community-Based Domestic Violence (DV) Program is staffed with bilingual or multilingual advocates who provide direct services to people experiencing domestic violence. This includes building a safety plan with the client, financial planning, restraining orders, support groups, court accompaniment, and help with rent and utilities. Based on the urgency of the situation, SAC advocates can help relocate clients and their children to a safe place.

SAC’s DV program has long been part of our services: based on advocate’s knowledge and experience of our community, we can also help clients with substance use disorder. AND as of this summer, thanks to the MA Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA)* we have an on-site clinician who offers therapy to our DV clients in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.   

*This project was (partially) supported by MOVA through state investments, and/or a Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA) grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, and/or the Human Trafficking and Drunk Driving Trust Funds.

Emitting a Resilient Spirit (E.A.R.S) Program

The Emitting a Resilient Spirit (E.A.R.S) is a culturally responsive sexual and domestic violence education and prevention program funded by the MA Dept of Public Health designed to serve diverse communities across the North Central region. The program consists of an eight-week workshop series and facilitated forums addressing critical topics, including equality and self-worth, the cycle of abuse, power and control dynamics, abuser profiles, false accusations, healthy boundaries, and family values. The E.A.R.S. team also leads activity workshops (pictured above) in English and Spanish on themes of self-love, respecting boundaries, and avoiding abusive power dynamics to raise awareness on this critical topic.

The program’s objectives are to increase community awareness, shift attitudes, and support the prevention of future incidents of sexual and domestic violence. All sessions are offered in both Spanish and English to ensure accessibility and meaningful participation. In addition, educational brochures and flyers are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and French.

For more info, call 978-534-3145, x130 or x125 or follow EARS Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events!