Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of board members, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors, and provision of services to our clients. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for our board, staff, clients, volunteers, and subcontractors.

If at any point, a client feels discriminated against or treated unfairly by a DVSN staff member or advocate, the following procedure is in place to help redress the grievance.

This grievance procedure is designed to provide all clients with a means of recourse when they believe they have been treated unfairly, and, by virtue of such treatment, have been personally and adversely affected.

First Step: If you feel comfortable, discuss the problem with DVSN staff within two weeks of the incident. Clients may discuss the problem in writing, fax, phone, e-mail, in-person or via Zoom or the equivalent. If you are not satisfied with the answer you receive, you may proceed to the second step.

Second Step: Present your grievance in written form to the DVSN Director, or to the Chief of the Bedford, Concord, or Acton Police Departments. State both the problem and the action that you are requesting. The grievance will be answered by DVSN in written form within two weeks after receiving the grievance in writing.

Third Step: If you are not satisfied with the results of Step Two, you are entitled to request a meeting with the President of DVSN’s Board of Directors or designee, a leader of a partner agency, and a person of your choice. The decision of those present at this meeting will be final. The client will be notified of the decision in writing.