Massachusetts Protection Orders – State Overview
A general summary of Massachusetts abuse prevention orders and filing basics.
Massachusetts Protection Orders
Abuse Prevention Orders
Massachusetts offers Abuse Prevention Orders to help protect individuals experiencing domestic violence or abuse. These orders are civil court orders designed to limit contact and prevent further harm from an abuser. They provide survivors with legal protection and can include restrictions on communication, staying away from the survivor’s home, workplace, or school.
Eligibility
Anyone who has experienced abuse or is at risk of abuse from a family or household member may be eligible to file for a Protection Order in Massachusetts. Eligible petitioners include spouses, former spouses, persons living or formerly living together, persons who have a child in common, and others in certain intimate or familial relationships defined by law.
Filing Steps
- Complete a Protection Order Petition at your local District Court or online when available.
- Submit the petition to the court clerk; the court will review and may grant a Temporary Restraining Order if immediate protection is needed.
- Serve the respondent (the alleged abuser) with the order and court papers, usually through local law enforcement or a designated process server.
- Attend the full hearing scheduled by the court to present your case and request a final Abuse Prevention Order.
Temporary Orders
Temporary Abuse Prevention Orders can be issued quickly to provide immediate protection while your petition is pending. These orders are in effect until the court holds a hearing to decide on a permanent order, typically within 10 days. They can restrict contact, require the abuser to stay away from certain places, and impose other safety measures.
Hearings and Enforcement
At the full hearing, both petitioner and respondent can present evidence and witnesses. The judge will decide whether to issue a final Abuse Prevention Order, which can last up to one year or longer. Final orders are enforceable by law enforcement, and violations can result in arrest or other legal penalties. For continuing support and resources, survivors can access assistance at DV Support.