Northeastern University Domestic Violence Institute

About This Office

The Domestic Violence Institute (DVI) at Northeastern University School of Law is an education, service and research organization dedicated to combating partner abuse. DVI educates professionals in a variety of disciplines about violent relationships and about interventions that can make women and their children safer from violence. It provides advocacy services to women in abusive relationships, both in court and in a variety of community locations where they first turn for help. It engages in research dedicated to understanding violent relationships, understanding the strategies women use to cope with violence, understanding how the legal system has contributed to the problems faced by women in abusive relationships, and exploring the effectiveness of legal and other interventions. The Institute partners with legal agencies and institutions, medical providers and community advocacy organizations to develop a coordinated response to domestic violence. DVI also recognizes the civil legal needs of rape victims and its staff and students collaborate on projects with the Victim Rights Law Center and the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center. Currently, the Institute is a partner in a campus-based sexual assault coalition at Northeastern University.