An Act to empower and protect survivors of domestic violence

This bill establishes a special commission to study how Massachusetts handles domestic violence and sexual assault cases, aiming to improve resources and victim safety. The commission will include government officials, non-profit leaders, and two survivors of domestic abuse to analyze current systems, particularly within probation departments. Its work involves reviewing how victims are treated during legal proceedings, assessing barriers based on income, and exploring ways to report misconduct by probation officers. Additionally, the bill creates dedicated domestic violence and sexual assault probation units in various courts to employ victim advocates who serve as liaisons between victims and probation officers. These advocates will help victims understand their rights, communicate with officers, and ensure their voices are heard throughout the legal process.