Below are local services and resources available to you. You will find their name, mission, who they help, their services, and links to their websites.
Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General - Cyber Crime Unit
Mission: To protect the citizens of Massachusetts from cybercrime by investigating and prosecuting online criminal activities, including those involving online predators.
Who They Help: All residents of Massachusetts, with a focus on protecting children and vulnerable populations.
Services: The Cyber Crime Unit provides educational resources, public awareness campaigns, and legal action against individuals involved in cybercrimes, including online predation.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) - Internet Safety Resources
Mission: To promote safe and responsible internet use among students, parents, and educators in Massachusetts.
Who They Help: Students, parents, educators, and school administrators in Massachusetts.
Services: DESE provides guidelines, best practices, and educational materials to teach internet safety and protect against online predators. They also offer training sessions and workshops.
Mission: To promote the healing and justice of children and families who are victims of child abuse, including online exploitation, through a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach.
Who They Help: Children and families who are victims of abuse and exploitation, including online predators.
Services: MACA supports child advocacy centers across Massachusetts, providing forensic interviews, medical evaluations, therapy, advocacy, and support services to children and families.
Mission: To educate children, teens, and parents about internet safety and help protect them from online dangers, including predators.
Who They Help: Children, teens, parents, educators, and law enforcement in Massachusetts.
Services: NetSmartz offers age-appropriate educational videos, games, activity cards, and lesson plans to teach children and teens about safe online practices. They also provide resources for parents and educators to facilitate these discussions.
Mission: To empower parents and guardians with the knowledge and tools to keep their children safe from online threats, including predators.
Who They Help: Parents, guardians, and children across the United States, including Massachusetts.
Services: SafeKids.com offers tips, articles, and guides on online safety, privacy settings, and how to discuss internet dangers with children. They also provide resources for reporting online predators.
Massachusetts State Police - Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force
Mission: To investigate and prosecute individuals involved in the online exploitation of children and to provide support and education to communities to prevent such crimes.
Who They Help: Children and families in Massachusetts, along with law enforcement agencies.
Services: The ICAC Task Force provides investigative resources, collaborates with other law enforcement agencies, and offers community outreach programs to educate the public about online safety and the dangers posed by online predators.