Massachusetts helpline aims to help abusers change patterns

MASSACHUSETTS — Hundreds filled Franklin Town Common Sunday night, remembering the life of Shirley Owen - a mother of two who was allegedly murdered by her ex-husband, who is also accused of then setting the house on fire while their children were at school.

It’s another example of how domestic violence can affect an entire community.

This year, a first-in-the-nation hotline, 10 to 10, launched in Massachusetts. It’s designed to anonymously offer help to abusers and others close to them.

By Dec. 10, the hotline had already reached 110 calls.

“We are getting more calls than we thought,” said Monica Moran, a co-founder. “And it’s a higher percentage of people who are actually using harm and looking for more help.”

According to Moran, one-third of the calls they’ve received comes from abusers - many of those calls lasting up to an hour.

The hotline has seen an uptick in calls over the last few weeks - which founders say is typical this time of year.

10 to 10 says their goal is to help people who are abusive change their patterns. They also provide support for family and friends of those people.

If you are looking to talk to 10 to 10, you can call 877-898-3411.

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