Know the Laws: Massachusetts
UPDATED February 19, 2011
A restraining order or protective order is a legal order issued by a state court that requires one person to stop harming another. In Massachusetts, there are abuse prevention orders and harassment prevention orders, which are explained below.
- Overview of Civil vs. Criminal Law
Some restraining orders are issued in criminal court and some are issued in civil court.
- Abuse Prevention Order
A civil order that provides protection from physical or sexual harm caused by force or threat of harm from a family or household member
- Harassment Prevention Order
Protects from incidents of threatening, following, and/or coercive behavior that occurs more than once.
- Moving with an Abuse Prevention Order
Your abuse prevention order may be enforceable wherever you move.
- Enforcing your Out-Of-State Order in MA
If you are planning to move to MA or are going to be in MA for any reason, your protection or restraining order may be enforced.