Join us in our annual Holiday Gift Drive! Giving the gift of Empowerment and the Dignity of Choice this Holiday Season
Our Mission: 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. 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.
Through Connection
Through Healing
Through Community
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.
ACROSS OUR RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS, 21,000 DAYS AND NIGHTS OF SAFE SHELTER AND HEALING PROVIDED EACH YEAR.
29 November 29, 2022
On this Giving Tuesday, we want to thank our supporters and donors. The Second Step family would not be complete without the generous support of our community. We are incredibly grateful to have a group of people committed to our mission and a future free from domestic violence.
4 October 4, 2022
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. This includes a range of behaviors (e.g. slapping, shoving, pushing) and in some cases might not be considered “domestic violence.” Domestic...
16 June 16, 2022
Sue Ross, Esq. Executive Director I have been involved with The Second Step for almost 15 years. Like many of our supporters, I was introduced when a friend brought me to a fundraising event. My husband and I became donors, and then several years later, I started volunteering with the then-new Steps to Justice Program....
5 April 5, 2022
After three long years, Celebrating Success is back! Join us for our 30th anniversary gala on Thursday, May 12, at the Brae Burn Country Club. You will hear insights from guest speaker Bonnie Michelman, Executive Director of Police, Security, and Outside services at Mass General Hospital. We are delighted to welcome our community for another...
21 December 21, 2021
On December 7, 2021, there was a hearing on S939/H1820 An Act Improving Protections for Sexual Assault Survivors before the Joint Judiciary Committee. The Second Step Staff Attorney MacKenzie Mahoney provided oral testimony in support of improvements to our 258E sexual assault/harassment prevention orders. Here is the text of her testimony: “My name is MacKenzie...
25 June 25, 2021
With the end of the MA State of Emergency, The Second Step offices are safely reopening. Community advocacy, housing assistance, and legal services for survivors of domestic violence are available in person. (Please note, masks are required in the office for anyone not fully vaccinated.) For those who prefer to access remote services, advocates and attorneys...
24 June 24, 2021
June is Pride month, the time of year for celebration, remembrance, and honoring all things Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ)! Domestic Violence Advocate, Martina Gauderer, helps The Second Step highlight the importance of LGBTQ+ affirming resources for survivors of domestic violence: As we wrap up Pride 2021, The Second Step is reflecting upon...
29 April 29, 2021
As we close out Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), The Second Step honors the history and legacy of those who have shaped the movement to end sexual violence. Domestic Violence Advocate, Martina Gauderer, shares her connection to SAAM and how she finds power and healing in community: April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)...
30 March 30, 2021
Join The Second Step on Wednesday, May 12th at 7:00pm for the premiere of our video, Plant a Seed: Stories of Strength! Plant a Seed: Stories of Strength A Video Premiere To empower survivors To inspire hope To spread awareness To strengthen communities Hear from survivors and staff as we reflect on the challenges and triumphs...
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...
Since 1992, we have partnered with thousands of survivors to build better futures.
If you are afraid for your immediate
safety CALL 911.
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
Call us at:
617-965-2538
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: