Child Protection Program

En espanol

What is AWAKE?

Since 1986, AWAKE has offered comprehensive, ongoing intimate partner violence (IPV) services to patients, parents/caretakers of patients and employees at Boston Children's Hospital.

How do we define abuse?

Abuse is a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviors by one partner over the other in an intimate relationship.

This abusive behavior is used to maintain power and control over the mind, body and well-being of a significant other.

Abuse may be physical, emotional, verbal, economic or sexual and can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, religion, economic status or gender.

What does AWAKE offer?

We can provide you with a safe and confidential place to talk and share your experiences.

AWAKE services are free, confidential and are offered in English and Spanish. Interpreters are used for other languages including Sign Language.

Our services

We provide:

• initial and ongoing risk assessment and safety planning
• individual counseling in person or by phone
• criminal justice advocacy including escorting women to police department, probate court and district court hearings
• assistance with emergency housing needs
• public advocacy, including child protection, housing welfare, immigration and other services as needed
• referrals for legal services, supportive counseling, medical care and child witness to violence services
• weekly support groups offered in both Spanish and English
• educational trainings at Children's and in the community
• provider consultations on risk assessment and safety planning