Boston Strengthens Referral Pathways for Domestic and Sexual Violence Support

City seeks community-based organizations to collaborate on referrals and services

Jan. 30, 2026 at 1:31pm

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The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is seeking to contract with one to two community-based domestic and sexual violence organizations to serve as formal referral partners. The selected organizations will collaborate with the city's Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Division (DSG) to improve referral pathways and access to support services for survivors.

Why it matters

This initiative aims to strengthen the city's network of support for survivors of domestic and sexual violence by formalizing partnerships between the municipal government and community-based organizations. Improving referral processes and increasing access to services can have a significant impact on the wellbeing of survivors.

The details

The selected community-based organizations will work closely with the DSG to establish standardized referral protocols, coordinate service delivery, and enhance data sharing. This collaboration is intended to streamline the process for survivors seeking assistance and ensure they are connected to the full range of resources available.

  • The request for proposals was issued on January 30, 2026.

The players

Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC)

The BPHC is the public health department for the City of Boston, responsible for promoting and protecting the health and wellbeing of all Boston residents.

Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Division (DSG)

The DSG is a division within the BPHC that focuses on addressing domestic and sexual violence through prevention, intervention, and support services.

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What’s next

The deadline for proposals is February 28, 2026, and the selected organizations are expected to be announced in March 2026.

The takeaway

This initiative demonstrates Boston's commitment to strengthening its support network for survivors of domestic and sexual violence by fostering deeper collaboration between the city government and community-based service providers.