Protection Orders can offer peace of mind when you are struggling with a harassing or abusive situation. In Massachusetts, there are two different types of Protection Orders depending on the situation. Listen to our recent podcast on the topic to learn more.

In a situation involving harassment and domestic violence Domestic Restraining Orders are the most common type of protection order. There are restrictions on these orders. They are limited to people who are:

  • who are or were married to each other,
  • who are or were living together,
  • who are or were related by blood or marriage,
  • who have a child together, or
  • who are in a “substantive dating relationship.”

If the situation does not involve any of these relationships, then a Harassment Prevention Order is the other type of protection order. This type of order is typical in situations involving neighbor disputes. It can also be used in some domestic situations as an alternative to a Domestic Restraining Order. In one of our recent cases we did just this. Read about that case here.

Many people have questioned the usefulness of protection orders, but various studies of outcomes following a protection order being issued indicate that in 50-85% of cases the protection order is effective in keeping the harasser or abuser away from the victim. A protection order can give peace of mind to a victim; in addition, in some cases the order creates a cooling down period and diffuses the difficult situation.

If you are in a situation that requires a Domestic Restraining Order or a Harassment Prevention Order help is available. Call or text us for advice or to help you obtain an order from a judge. Contant Law 617-227-8383.

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