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Boston Police describe victim‑support staffing, caseloads and Family Justice Center partnerships
Summary
Boston Police officials outlined investigative units, advocate staffing levels and Family Justice Center partnerships, saying the department assigns roughly 12,000 domestic cases a year and currently staffs five BPD domestic‑violence advocates with plans to reach seven.
Boston Police Department representatives told the City Council they prioritize trauma‑informed, survivor‑centered response while acknowledging gaps in shelter, legal and culturally specific services.
"Response to all victims of crime are a priority for all personnel within the Boston Police Department," Deputy Superintendent Victor Evans, who oversees the Family Justice Division, told the committee. He said the Family Justice Division includes the sexual‑assault unit, the domestic‑violence unit, the human‑trafficking unit and a crimes‑against‑children unit staffed by detectives, victim advocates and civilian personnel.
Captain Detective Terry Thomas and other unit supervisors described operational details: about 12,000 domestic‑related cases annually are assigned to roughly a dozen detectives, the domestic‑violence unit said. The department currently employs five domestic‑violence advocates and aims to reach seven; staff support survivors with safety planning, court accompaniment, transportation and referrals to shelter and social services.
"One of the advocates really spoke highly of Sahili Boston," Thomas said, describing cross‑agency referrals and regular coordination with partners including the Child Advocacy Center of Suffolk County and culturally specific nonprofits.
BPD officials described the sexual‑assault unit’s shift coverage: detectives typically work daytime/evening shifts and remain on call overnight, with supervisors responding to scene investigations and coordinating follow‑up. Sergeants explained that supervisors and detectives review files to identify repeat or escalating cases and consult with the District Attorney’s Office on prosecutorial decisions.
Councilors asked about language access for survivors. Captain Thomas said officers and detectives are diverse and BPD also has a language‑line contract for less common languages; advocates and community partners often provide direct translation in person. "We have access to a language line where you could coordinate," he said.
Several councilors raised advocate coverage and timing: detectives typically assign advocates after a police response, and advocates will call survivors repeatedly or send certified letters when needed. Officials acknowledged that advocate staffing is insufficient for the reported caseload and that many survivors do not report crimes.
BPD urged families in crisis to call 911 for immediate danger; advocates and detectives stressed that survivors who do come forward may also receive a victim‑witness advocate through the District Attorney’s Office when a case moves to prosecution.
Police asked partners and councilors to support staffing and community referral pipelines for culturally specific providers, interpreters and legal services so police and advocates can connect survivors quickly to appropriate supports.
