Massachusetts § 20 - Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance Fund
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 20 — Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance Fund, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20. Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance Fund
Section 20. There shall be established and placed within the department of public health a fund to be known as the Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance Fund, in this section referred to as the fund, to support innovative practices to prevent domestic and sexual violence and provide assistance to victims of domestic violence in the commonwealth. The fund shall be credited any appropriations, bond proceeds or other monies authorized by the general court, which may properly be applied in furtherance of the objectives of the fund, domestic and sexual violence prevention and victim assistance assessments, as specified in section 8 of chapter 258B, and any other monies which may be available for the purposes of the fund from any other source or sources. Any revenues, deposits, receipts or funds received shall be deposited in the fund and shall be available for the purposes described in this section, without further appropriation. Money remaining in the fund at the end of the year shall not revert to the General Fund.
The fund shall be under the control of the department of public health and not subject to appropriation. The fund shall be used for innovative practices, which shall include, but not be limited to: (i) community-based domestic and sexual violence prevention and assistance programs and service providers; (ii) multi-disciplinary teams addressing victims of domestic and sexual violence at high risk of homicide or fatality; and (iii) other programs and service providers that support victims of domestic and sexual violence.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 20
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 20 cover?
Section 20 ("Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance Fund") 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 § 20?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 20" (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 § 20 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.