Springfield, MA- Domestic Violence Awareness Month is recognized each October. As part of this awareness campaign, the Springfield Police Department is sharing warning signs, resources and services for those who may be experiencing domestic violence.
The Springfield Police Department has a dedicated team of domestic violence advocates. On Tuesday, Springfield Police Domestic Violence Coordinator, Milta Vargas, was honored at the 2025 Safe Neighborhood Initiative Appreciation Dinner as the Advocate of the Year.
The domestic violence advocates work alongside detectives in the Springfield Police Special Victims Unit. Emergency Restraining Orders can be filed after 4:30 p.m. when courts close and all day on weekends and holidays. If an advocate is not available, a Special Victims Detectives can assist you.
Domestic abuse is a pattern of controlling and coercive behavior which can involve physical, sexual, financial, emotional and/or psychological abuse. It impacts people who are married, divorced, living together or dating from all social, economic, racial, religious and ethnic groups. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence.
Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers stated, “Domestic violence doesn’t just affect the victim, it affects their children and family. As the holidays approach and during Domestic Violence Awareness Month we like to remind our community that the Springfield Police Department is always available to those who need it. Traumatic events threaten our sense of safety, and I encourage anyone who believes they may be a victim or knows someone who is, to reach out to our advocates or utilize the other resources that are available in our area before it is too late. Our advocates do exemplary work that is recognized within our community, and I’d like to congratulate Domestic Violence Coordinator Milta Vargas on her recent accolade.”
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “I am proud to stand with and support Superintendent Lawrence Akers, our domestic violence advocates, and the brave and dedicated men and women in blue as we continue to offer any assistance and resources that are needed to support victims and survivors of domestic violence. Domestic violence is a serious issue, and it is important to help bring awareness and share the resources and services that are available. Our Springfield Police Department has a dedicated staff of domestic violence advocates to provide help and support to victims and I want to encourage everyone to share this vital and potentially life-saving information, and help educate and bring awareness as we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month in our community.”
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than 10 million people in the United States experience physical abuse from a partner every year. In 2024, Springfield Police Officers responded to more than 8800 calls for a domestic disturbance. So far in 2025 (Through October 27th), officers have responded to more than 7600 domestic violence calls, which is more than 25 responses by officers each day.
Local Services:
- In an emergency call 9-1-1
- SPD Domestic Violence Coordinator Milta Vargas: 413-735-1519
- SPD Senior Domestic Violence Advocate Sarah Henry: 413-735-1510
Advocates Help With:
- Safety Planning and Risk Assessment
- Referrals to Community Services
- 209A Rights and Options
- Following up with Victims
- Facilitating Court Appearances
Know the Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship:
Does your partner:
- Act very jealous or possessive?
- Try to keep you from having other friends?
- Tell you what you can and can’t wear?
- Put you down or say things to purposely hurt your feelings?
- Pressure you for sex?
- Pressure you to use alcohol or other drugs?
- Make you call and check in constantly or check to see who called you?
- Hit, push, kick, strangle or otherwise physically hurt you?
Signs of Domestic Violence:
Domestic Violence is more than physical violence. The victim’s partner may do things that make the victim afraid or isolate them from family or friends. Additional signs may include:
- Constant criticism of the victim and their abilities as a spouse or partner, parent or employee
- Controlling Money
- Overprotectiveness or extreme jealousy
- Threatening harm to the victim, or their children, pets, family members, friends or themselves
- Sudden anger
- Destruction of personal property such as personal papers and memorabilia
- Intimidation or manipulation tactics
- Physical violence such as hitting, punching, slapping, kicking, shoving, etc.
- Preventing the victim from going where they want to when they want to
- Forcing or coercing the victim into sex that makes them feel uncomfortable, embarrassed or ashamed
- Humiliating or embarrassing the victim in front of others
Additional information about warning signs, services, safe havens and legal options can be found on the Springfield Police Department Website.