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Legal Information: Massachusetts

Workplace Protections

Updated: 
December 14, 2023

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)