Massachusetts § 16 - Office of violence prevention; duties

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 16 — Office of violence prevention; duties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 16. Office of violence prevention; duties

Section 16. There shall be in the department an office of violence prevention whose purpose shall be to coordinate and expand violence prevention activities, to reduce the incidences of interpersonal violence and intentional injury.

The duties of said office shall consist of the following:

(1) To integrate a violence prevention focus within the department of public health and those agencies which receive funding from the department;

(2) To develop collaborative relationships with other state agencies which are interested or active in the reduction of interpersonal violence including child abuse, youth violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and elderly abuse;

(3) To integrate violence prevention education into substance use and abuse prevention programs;

(4) To support the development of comprehensive community-based violence prevention initiatives within cities and towns across the state; and

(5) To develop sources of funding to maintain the office and expand its activities.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 16

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 16 cover?

Section 16 ("Office of violence prevention; duties") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 16?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 16" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 16 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.