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The Second Step is a community of survivors, advocates, and volunteers who foster the safety, stability, and well-being of those who have experienced domestic violence.

I need help I want to help

A Way From Violence

Through Connection

Through Healing

Through Community

To Self Reliance.

We provide comprehensive services, including safety planning, legal advocacy, counseling, peer support, transitional housing, and other essential services to adults, youth, and children in Greater Boston and MetroWest.

Think you need help or know someone who might? Contact us today.

Our programs

Who We Are.

Since 1992, we have partnered with thousands
of survivors to build better futures. No matter where you are in your journey, we are here for you – all the way from crisis to well-being.

Since 1992, The Second Step has partnered with thousands of survivors to address the aftermath of abuse and build brighter futures for themselves and their children. We know that services alone are not sufficient to help survivors heal from their trauma, nor can awareness campaigns make the necessary impact in abuse prevention.

So we find a different way. See how you can contribute today.

We work with clients to connect discrete points of service and build supportive social networks within a framework of trauma-informed care. We help make different social service interventions more effective, bridging gaps between service providers and helping survivors become stronger and more resilient over time.

But we can’t do it alone. Join our community of supporters, and make change in your community today.

Infographic

ACROSS OUR RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS, 21,000 DAYS AND NIGHTS OF SAFE SHELTER AND HEALING PROVIDED EACH YEAR.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

29 January 29, 2021

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month! Did you know that 26% of women and 15% of men who were victims of contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime first experienced these or other forms of violence by that partner before age 18 (CDC)? The Second Step can help....

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Closing Out Domestic Violence Awareness Month

30 October 30, 2020

Tomorrow is the last day of Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Thank you to everyone who attended our events, read alongside us, and took this month to educate themselves about domestic violence and to support survivors. You can find the The Second Step’s Complete DVAM Book List here!

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Join us for Step Up to the Plate: the 2020 Virtual Edition

29 September 29, 2020

The Second Step’s premier fall event – Step Up to the Plate – has gone virtual! Join one of 6 engaging speakers on zoom for an evening of good company and engaging conversation to support survivors of domestic violence, all from the comfort of your home! Each Zoom party features a special guest—a writer, media...

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Celebrating Success is now Celebrating Our Community (Virtual Event)

5 August 5, 2020

We hope you can join us on September 24th for a re-imagined Celebrating Success event, “Celebrating our Community.” This virtual event is an evening to learn more about how COVID-19 is impacting survivors of domestic violence, how we are adapting our services and meeting increased needs thanks to our generous community of supporters. Please join...

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Domestic Violence In the News

7 April 7, 2020

Survivors of domestic violence are facing greater challenges than ever before, including increased risk of abuse, increased isolation and difficulty escaping danger. Many are also experiencing loss of wages and the inability to meet their family’s basic needs. We are moved to see conversations about domestic violence, these challenges, and the organizations that meet survivors’...

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Join The Second Step for White Ribbon Night

25 February 25, 2020

What is White Ribbon Night? The White Ribbon Campaign was created by men in response to one man’s massacre of fourteen women. The campaign urged men to speak out against violence against women. Jane Doe Inc. led the establishment of the annual White Ribbon Day Campaign in Massachusetts in 2007, an intentional effort to connect men...

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Introducing Our 2020 Celebrating Success Honoree: Alexandra Simes

7 February 7, 2020

We are proud to honor Alexandra Simes for her extraordinary contributions to The Second Step. Alexandra has passionately served the organization as a remarkable volunteer providing leadership, vision, and mentoring over the past decade as a board member, supporter and ambassador of The Second Step. Through years of selfless dedication of time and energy, Alexandra has truly made a...

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COVID-19 Update: Survivor Services

19 January 19, 2020

The Second Step shares your concern about COVID-19, and we remain committed to serving our community during the crisis.  In compliance with the governor’s Executive Orders, we have temporarily modified how we do business in order to minimize the risk of virus transmission. All services remain available for survivors of domestic violence. Community and Legal...

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Step Up with Tyler & Ashley Ott and Our Board of Directors to Give the Gift of Safety

4 December 4, 2019

Ashley Ott, member of The Second Step’s Board of Directors, and Tyler Ott, Long Snapper for the Seattle Seahawks, have generously partnered with local artist Julianne Strom Brill to decorate Tyler’s cleats on behalf of The Second Step. As part of the NFL’s My Cause, My Cleats fundraiser, Ott will auction his cleats and all proceeds will go to...

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Step Up to the Plate – November 2, 2019

6 August 6, 2019

The Second Step’s premier fall event – Step Up to the Plate – is an intimate dinner event with 12 concurrent dinner parties on the evening of Saturday, November 2, 2019. Located in the private homes of our gracious hosts in Newton and surrounding towns, each dinner features a gourmet meal, engaging dinner companions, and a local luminary...

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Get help.

Since 1992, we have partnered with thousands of survivors to build better futures.

If you are afraid for your immediate
safety CALL 911.

Telephone icon

Emergency Shelter
and Safety Planning

SAFELINK (Massachusetts-wide,
24-hour, toll-free domestic violence
hotline): 1-877-785-2020

National Domestic Violence
Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE(7233)

Pet Safety – Domestic Violence
Pet Safety Hotline: 781-235-8460

CONTACT THE
SECOND STEP

Call us at:
617-965-3999

Our offices are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, and outside of these hours by appointment.

You can also learn more about our programs here, and email us at:

Residential

Community

Steps to Justice

Youth and Prevention