NORTON - A call from the Norton police isn't a bad thing anymore.

Patrolman Marc Robichaud has begun making well-being checks to domestic violence victims within days - if not the next day - after an incident.

Robichaud, the department's domestic violence officer, developed that and other new procedures after brainstorming with a New Hope civilian advocate assigned to the Attleboro Police Department.

"It's trying to build a better community," Robichaud said.

Domestic violence is among new Police Chief Brian Clark's main concerns, Robichaud said. When Clark took over on Jan. 1, he "wanted to make sure we were abiding by the laws of Massachusetts and that everything was up to date," Robichaud said.

Each well-being call, which lasts about 15 minutes, is meant "just to see if that individual needs any assistance, and if I can help them any further," he said, and to "ensure that their physical and mental state is fine."

Robichaud also asks the victim if they remember anything else about the incident.

"That night, they may say, 'This didn't happen,'" he said. "The next couple of days, they may say, 'This has happened.'"

Some victims have been apprehensive at first but appreciative at the end.

One person declined the help. Another asked how to get a restraining order.

"A couple of people have been very surprised that we were calling to make sure that everything is OK," Robichaud said.

Robichaud says he has made 15 to 20 calls since the practice was started last month.

"That shows you how often domestic violence situations occur," he said. "It's probably one of the most frequent calls that we have."

New Hope civilian advocate Bonnie Lithway says she makes those calls for the Attleboro police civilian advocate program. "I can listen to their story. I can give them referrals. I can give them more information about getting a restraining order," she said.

Lithway said her calls have a "higher level of confidentiality" than Robichaud's.

"I've had victims tell me things that the police could've used against them, that maybe weren't necessarily pertinent to the situation," she said.

By law, police must give victims a copy of the Massachusetts Abuse Law, which advises them of their rights, Robichaud said.

Norton police recently began bringing two copies and requiring victims to sign one. The responding officer also signs the form.

The victim and the police each keep a copy, which police file with the incident report.

During a quarrel between a husband and wife that results in a visit by police, both get and must sign copies of the law.

The new procedure protects police "in case it does go to court, where somebody would accuse an officer of not following through with their obligation," said Robichaud, who has been Norton's domestic violence officer for about six years.

At New Hope's suggestion, pamphlets and other resources are available at police headquarters, including the bathrooms.

Some victims "want a number for New Hope" yet "they may be a little shy in asking," Robichaud said.

Lithway says New Hope is putting more information in public places throughout the area.

"The restrooms are the best place to put them because you can go in the ladies room or the men's room and you can close the door and be alone," she said.

"You can put (a pamphlet) in your pocket, and no one can see it."

MICHAEL GELBWASSER covers Norton for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at 508-236-0439 or at mgelbwasser@thesunchronicle.com.