For Immediate Release

Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019

Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Saugus Police Department Shares Warning Signs, Raises Awareness for Domestic Violence 

SAUGUS – Interim Chief Ronald Giorgetti and the Saugus Police Department are sharing warning signs and raising awareness this October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Every October, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence organizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month in an effort to raise awareness and educate the public. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 10 million people in the United States are victims of physical abuse by a partner each year, approximately one in three women and one in four men.

“Unfortunately, domestic violence is a pervasive issue throughout our country, and we are encouraging everyone to take the time this month to familiarize themselves with the warning signs of an abusive partner and the resources available to domestic violence victims,” Chief Giorgetti said.

The Saugus Police Department will be displaying purple lights at the Public Safety Building on Hamilton Street in an effort to raise awareness this month about domestic violence.

The Saugus Police Department wishes to share the following domestic violence warning signs and common characteristics of an abusive partner, as provided by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence:

• An abusive partner frequently denies or attempts to minimize the seriousness of violence and it’s impact on the victim.
• An abusive individual objectifies the victim, viewing that person as property or a sexual object.
• An abusive partner has low self-esteem.
• An abusive partner may blame their violence on stress, alcohol, or other external factors.
• An abusive partner may be perceived as friendly and kind by others, as that individual may be amicable and pleasant in between abusive events.
• Red flags include:
  • Extreme jealousy
  • Possessive behavior
  • Unpredictability
  • Short, angry temper
  • Cruelty to animals
  • Verbal abuse
  • Extremely controlling actions
  • Non-consensual sex
  • Ignoring agreed upon birth control or sabotaging birth control
  • Blaming the victim for abuse
  • Preventing the victim from going to work or school
  • Financial control
  • Abuse of other people and/or animals
  • Accusations that the victim is flirting with others
  • Control of the victim’s apparel and actions
  • Demeaning the victim, privately or publicly, as well as embarrassing that person in front of others
  • Harassing the victim at his or her workplace

The Saugus Police Department also wishes to share the following resources for anyone who may be the victim of domestic violence:

• In an emergency, call 911.
• For domestic violence and sexual assault questions, guidance, referrals and general information, contact Saugus Police Detective Stacey Forni at 781-941-1190.
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides anonymous, confidential help 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). Additional crisis organizations and helplines can be found by clicking here.
• The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence provides a Personalized Safety Plan that individuals can fill out, which can be accessed by clicking here.
• Healing Abuse Working for Change (HAWC), an organization that works to assist and support domestic violence victims throughout the North Shore region, offers various services including assistance applying for abuse and harassment prevention orders in local courts and basic legal support, as well as direct legal representation in high-risk cases. HAWC also provides services to help victims access medical assistance and support, services for children who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence and emergency family shelter. HAWC also offers a 24-hour hotline at 1-800-547-1649.

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