Collaborative for Abuse Prevention in Racial and Ethnic Communities

Merrimack Valley Legal Services - 050024

Abstract Number: 050024

November 2005

Merrimack Valley Legal Services (MVLS) works with other partner organizations in the Collaborative for Abuse Prevention in Racial and Ethnic Communities (CARE) to conduct outreach and provide access to health care and related legal services for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse in the Lowell (Mass.) Cambodian community. Lowell has the second largest Cambodian population in the United States, behind only Long Beach, California. MVLS dedicates one staff member from the Family Law Unit to deliver the legal services component of the project in tandem with other partner organizations including the Lowell Community Health Center, the Rape Crisis Services of Greater Lowell, the Alternative House, the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence, and Emerge. MVLS and its partner organizations work together on outreach efforts, cross-training, and developing a media campaign. The group refers clients to each other to provide victims of domestic violence and their children with a broad range of comprehensive services including health assistance to victims, counseling, legal assistance for emergency restraining orders, and anger management services.

CARE organizations meet monthly to coordinate their efforts, and they also participate in community events such as Lowell's Cambodian Cultural Festival. CARE is funded by Massachusetts's Department of Public Health (DPH) through a grant from the national Center for Disease Control. The DPH funds three other similar projects throughout the state. These programs are located in Boston, Chelsea, and in Berkshire County, however these programs focus on different ethnic communities.

Contact Information:

Ken MacIver
Executive Director
Merrimack Valley Legal Services Inc.
35 John Street, Suite 302
Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (978) 458-1465
Fax: (978) 458-3481
Email

Additional Information:

Massachusetts's Department of Public Health, "CARE Communities Program Organization Chart."

back to top ^

back to top ^