As a child care provider, you may need to file a report of suspected child abuse or neglect with the Department of Children and Families (DCF). These Guidelines apply to proceedings under the Abuse Prevention Act, GL c.The clerk will provide you with the forms that you need to fill out or you can find links to the forms you will need at our MA Download Court Forms page. Whenever any law officer has reason to believe that a family or household member has been abused or is in danger of being abused, Learn what happens at the hearing where the court charges the person who abused you with the crime, and how the judge sets bail. This act updates and expands legal language about abuse. It also addresses new technology and its use in abusive behavior and sexual harassment. A variety of resources are available at the University and in the area to assist those who have experienced sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct. Massachusetts family law lawyer Jason V. Owens reviews the growing confusion between "child abuse" and "parental discipline" in Massachusetts. There are 53 organizations in Massachusetts that provide domestic violence services at some level.