Suggestions for Protection
Develop a safety plan that includes an escape plan for you and your children should a violent incident occur. During an incident, try to move away from an area or room where access to weapons might...
View ArticleWhat You Can Do
If you are being abused: While you cannot stop your partner’s abuse—only he or she can do that—you can find help and support for yourself.
View ArticleWhat is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used to maintain power and control over an intimate partner or family member. For definitions of Domestic Violence under Massachusetts 209A law click here....
View ArticleWho is affected by domestic violence?
Domestic violence occurs in every culture, country and age group. It affects people from all socioeconomic, educational and religious backgrounds and takes place in same sex as well as heterosexual...
View ArticleHow do you know if you are being abused?
Abusers use many ways to isolate, intimidate and control their partners. It starts insidiously and may be difficult to recognize. Early on, your partner may seem attentive, generous and protective in...
View ArticleWhat is a Restraining Order (209A) Order?
An Abuse Prevention Order, called a "209A Order," or a "protective order," or "restraining order," is a civil court order intended to provide protection from physical or sexual harm caused by force or...
View ArticleWhere can I get a 209A Order?
A 209A Order can be obtained in any District Court, Superior Court, or Probate and Family Court in Massachusetts. An emergency 209A Order can be obtained through any police department after court...
View ArticleHow can I get an 209A Order in District Court?
Should you decide to go to a District Court for a 209A Order, you may go to the District Court in the area where you live or, if you have fled to another area to avoid abuse, you may go to the...
View ArticleWhat questions are asked on the 209A form?
On the application or complaint forms for a 209A order, you need to make a sworn statement (affidavit) describing the facts of any recent or past incidents of abuse. It is important to provide as much...
View ArticleWhat relief can I ask for on the 209A application?
You may request the judge to order that the abuser, stop or refrain from abusing you, have no contact with you or a child in your custody, and/or vacate or move out of the house or apartment where you...
View ArticleWhat about child custody and visitation?
A 209A Order from a District Court can provide you with temporary support and custody of your minor children. Only the Probate and Family Court, however, can decide child visitation rights. A 209A...
View ArticleWhat happens next?
After you have completed the 209A complaint or application forms, return them to the Clerk’s Office and ask when the judge will hear the applications for protective orders. The Clerk’s Office will...
View ArticleWhat will the judge do after speaking with you?
The judge may grant or deny the 209A Order after speaking with you. If the judge grants the Order, you will receive a Temporary Order for up to ten days. A court date will be scheduled within 10 court...
View ArticleWhat is a ten day hearing?
The Ten Day Hearing requires that you return to the court on the date given on the Order. If you do not return to court, the Order will not be in effect after that date. The hearing offers the chance...
View ArticleWhat happens at the end of a year or the end of the effective date?
If a 209A Order is issued by the judge for a year, you must return to the court for an extension of the Order at the end of that year or the Order will expire.
View ArticleWhat should you do if you want to change the terms of the order?
Any changes in the Order before that date must be made with both you and the abuser appearing in the same court where the Order was first given. A request to change or amend the Order can be made at...
View ArticleCan a minor obtain a 209A Order?
A minor under 18 years old can obtain a 209A Order with some restrictions. Generally, a parent or guardian needs to be present, but the judge can decide to issue a 209A Order without a parent present...
View ArticleWhat happens if the order is violated?
Once a 209A Order is issued, violation of certain terms of the Order is a criminal offense. Violations of orders to refrain from abuse, to have no contact, and to vacate a household, multiple family...
View ArticleWhat happens if an arrest is made?
If the abuser is arrested, seek assistance from the Victim/ Witness Advocate in the District Attorney’s Office the next morning after a nighttime arrest or at any time during the day at the...
View ArticleWhat crimes can be charged?
In addition to the crime of violating a 209A Order, an abuser can be charged with a number of other crimes committed at or near the time of the violation, some of which may include:Assault (G.L. c....
View ArticleWhat happens after an arrest?
Once a criminal complaint has been issued or an arrest made, the abuser will be charged with the crime or crimes at an arraignment proceeding in the District Court. A bail hearing will be held to...
View ArticleWhat happens at the arraignment?
It is important to provide information to the Assistant District Attorney before the arraignment and bail hearing regarding the history of the abuse and a description of the most recent abuse,...
View ArticleWhat happens after the arraignment?
Interviews will be held with you before the trial, to gather information and evidence for prosecution. Every effort will be made to consider your needs and safety in going forward with the case. The...
View ArticleWhat is a certified batterer’s intervention program?
Certified batterer’s intervention programs provide services in very strict group settings to try to help batterer’s learn to accept responsibility for their violence, as well as understand and change...
View ArticleWill the intervention stop the abuse?
There are no guarantees that the violence will stop because the abuser attends a certified batterer’s intervention program. Many abusers drop out of programs or do not comply with the requirements, or...
View ArticleYour risk of harm?
Statistically, the most dangerous time for victim is when leaving the batterer. The abuser may feel he is losing control and become dangerously angry. Take steps to protect yourself from abuse or...
View ArticleDomestic Violence/Sexual Assault Counseling Services
Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Counseling Services
View ArticleSouth Shore Womens Resource Center (Domestic Violence Services)
South Shore Womens Resource Center (Domestic Violence Services)
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