"The amount of tragedy that effected the city, and tore at the fabric of our society, alerted us to the need for this type of unit," says Springfield Police Commissioner William Fitchet.

It was a horrific crime that left the Springfield community shocked and saddened. Last December Marilyn Rivera and her two young daughters were allegedly murdered at the hands of Rivera's husband. Because of this tragedy, and many others in the city, the Springfield Police Department assembled a Special Victims Unit, specially trained to deal with domestic issues more efficiently than in the past.

"They might have a domestic violence case that if it turned into a sexual assault case, it would be turned over to a different division," says Commissioner Fitchet.

"We can help you from the start of getting an emergency restraining order, to statements, to complaints in court," says Springfield Lieutenant Cheryl Clapprood. "To further help as far as shelters, or if the kids need anything special."

The 15 member unit will investigate everything from domestic assault, to cyber crimes against children. The only thing they won't cover is homicides, but with 70 domestic cases reported last week alone, officials say the hope is that families like the Riveras will be protected before the violence escalates too far.

"With reaching out to victims early, getting them in, we have much greater opportunity to prevent the next level of violence," says Special Victims Unit Member Brenda Lopez.