GREENFIELD — Even though the Franklin County Justice Center has been closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, emergency restraining and harassment order cases will still be heard remotely.
Judge Paul C. Dawley, chief justice of the District Court, issued a standing order to hear emergency cases via telephone or video conferencing until at least April 6.
A statement from the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office notes, “Victims of intimate partner violence are often isolated and live with the risk of abuse on a daily basis.”
With the ongoing pandemic forcing people to socially distance themselves at home, “the isolation is even greater,” said Mary Kociela, director of Domestic and Sexual Violence Programs for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. “We are concerned and want victims to know that they can call our office, your local police department or local hotlines if they are in danger or would like to file for a restraining order.”
The following is a list of agencies that can assist victims: Safe Passage, Northampton: 413-586-5066, toll-free: 888-345-5282; New England Learning Center for Women in Transition (NELCWIT), Greenfield: 413-772-0806, Orange/Athol: 978-544-9857, toll-free: 888-249-0806.
Even under normal circumstances, Kociela said in a statement that “Going to the courthouse can often be dangerous for victims. … The court order allowing restraining orders by phone is a great way to help protect victims.”
For more information about harassment and restraining orders, as well as domestic violence resources, visit northwesternda.org/domestic-violence.
Andy Castillo can be reached at acastillo@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 276.