DCF Domestic Violence Overview

The Massachusetts Department of Children of Families (MA DCF) takes domestic violence allegations seriously. Make sure you know how DCF in Massachusetts defines domestic violence so that you can protect your family from false allegations. If you or someone you know is facing a false DCF domestic violence allegation, hire an experienced DCF lawyer to help you immediately.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is when one person controls another using their own force or power. The domestic abuser maintains this control through various types of abuse. These types of abuse can include:

1. Physical
2. Emotional
3. Sexual
4. Economic 

The Children’s Bureau defines domestic violence as a “pattern of coercive and assaultive behaviors that include physical, sexual, verbal, and psychological attacks and economic coercion that adults or adolescents use against their intimate partner.” 

How Does Massachusetts Define Domestic Abuse?

According to Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 209A, domestic abuse is any or all of the following:

• Attempting to cause or causing physical harm
• Placing another in fear of imminent serious physical harm 
• Causing another to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force, threat or duress

Is Domestic Violence Only a Concern for Women?

In the past, domestic violence has been largely understood as a women’s issue. However, men can also be victims. Domestic violence cuts across society and can affect people of all ages, sexes, genders, and races.

Domestic violence takes place in both heterosexual and same-sex relationships. Unfortunately, mothers and fathers are often targets of DCF domestic violence allegations.

Can Domestic Violence be Only 1 Incident?

Domestic violence is typically not an issue of an “isolated incident” or a single event; but rather is a pattern of abuse, threats, intimidation, or manipulation for power and control. The abuser will often display a pattern, which simultaneously enables them to be consistently abusive and enables investigations to reveal the patterns of abuse. 

This broad definition which is inclusive of such a wide range of behaviors is important to think about. People often think about domestic violence as simply one person “beating up” their significant other. The reality is that domestic violence includes a wide range of abusive behavior, which can all land someone in trouble, and rightfully so.

 Kevin Seaver is a trusted Massachusetts DCF lawyer specialized in DCF law since 1991. 

Disclaimer

You find yourself in this situation, it’s advisable to seek legal representation from a qualified attorney, like those at the Law Office of Kevin Seaver, who can advocate for your rights and guide you through the complex process of a DCF investigation.

Remember that the ultimate goal of DCF is to ensure the safety and well-being of children while supporting families in crisis.

Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers.

Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from the attorney based on personal circumstances. Thank you.

Kevin Patrick Seaver is a Massachusetts DCF Defense Lawyer who represents parents against false child abuse allegations.