Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Baker-Polito Administration.
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — On Friday, the Baker-Polito administration unveiled the launch of an online map tool as a resource for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence to find assistance in a variety of issues.
Officials say the interactive map is a continuation of the Baker-Polito administration's efforts to support survivors across the Commonwealth, with readily available information on the state's officials website. Once there, residents can access immediate support services like the SafeLink Hotline and area Rape Crisis Centers.
On the map, users can select different layers, or add certain filters to access assistance or information on domestic violence, sexual assault, and housing programs. To get a more precise recommendation, users can input their address to find the closest locations to them.
The shaded areas of the map show where various programs are located, which include:
- Domestic Violence Emergency Shelters
- Domestic Violence Housing Stabilization
- General Community Based Domestic Violence Resources
- General Emergency Shelters
- Rape Crisis Centers
- Hospitals with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program
- District Attorney's Offices
“This new tool is another way to support survivors in Massachusetts and let them know that they are not alone, and that there are resources available to them,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am grateful to the Lieutenant Governor, who Chairs the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, for her continued leadership and advocacy for survivors.”
The council chaired by Karyn Polito, has up to 40 members, along with 80 subcommittee members to direct service providers, criminal justice agencies, and reflect the state's geographic and cultural diversity.
“Too often for survivors, navigating available resources proves to be challenging, with lifesaving information difficult to find. This new website aims to deliver critically important services in a streamlined, easy-to-use way for survivors and their families to support them in leading safe and successful lives, free of abuse,” said Lieutenant Governor Polito.
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General resources can be also be found on the state's website, listing the programs offered by county.
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