Stories of Hope: YWCA of Greater Lawrence

Maria's Story from YWCA of Greater Lawrence.

“Maria,” age 28, and the mother of three, was an undocumented immigrant who came to Lawrence from Guatemala and was being physically abused by her partner. Because she feared deportation, she was reluctant to report the abuse. Through word of mouth, Maria learned about the YWCA of Greater Lawrence and its bilingual Court Advocates. A YWCA Advocate, one of two working full-time in offices in the building that houses the Lawrence District Court, helped Maria to obtain a U Visa, for undocumented aliens experiencing domestic abuse. Knowing she would not be deported gave Maria the courage to obtain a restraining order and file charges against her abuser. Her partner is now in jail. Maria is working – legally, obtained permanent housing and is working toward obtaining permanent residency status. She and her children no longer live in fear.

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"I spoke out to put a face to the issue for the millions of women, men and children who suffer in silence and to say that you are not alone. Help is available." ~ Ayanna Pressley, Boston City Councilor (Photo by Christopher Mason)

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Enter the zip code or choose a city or town on the drop-down menu to locate help near you in Massachusetts. These programs provide free and confidential information, referrals and support for you, family members, and friends. While all programs in Massachusetts are available to everyone, a few programs are specifically geared to the LGBT community and immigrants and refugees. This map also shows where services are located in Massachusetts.

In emergency situations, call 911.

In Massachusetts: Domestic Violence Safelink (a 24 hour multilingual statewide hotline)
1-877-785-2020 TTY: 1-877-521-2601

For support outside of Massachusetts: National Domestic Violence Hotline
at 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233).

For U.S. Citizens outside the country, Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center (AODVC) International toll free crisis line, 866-USWOMEN (866-979-6636) or visit www.866uswomen.org.

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