Legal Information: Massachusetts

Massachusetts Workplace Protections

Updated: 
December 9, 2022

Who is protected under this law?

Under Massachusetts state law, you may be protected if:

  • you or your family member are a victim of abuse;1 and
  • you work for an employer who has 50 or more employees.2

1 M.G.L. 149 § 52E(b)(i)
2 M.G.L. 149 § 52E(c)

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How does this law protect me?

If you qualify for protection under this law, your employer must allow you to take leave from work, up to 15 days off of work in a 12-month period. You can take these days off of work if:

  • you or your family member are a victim of abuse – however, you cannot be the one who abused your family member; and
  • you are using the days off to:
    1. look for or get:
      • medical attention;
      • victim services or legal help;
      • housing; or
      • a protective order from court;
    2. appear before a judge or grand jury;
    3. meet with a district attorney or other law enforcement official;
    4. attend child custody proceedings; or
    5. address other issues directly related to the abusive behavior against you or your family member.1

1 M.G.L. 149 § 52E(b)

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