In Massachusetts, a Protective/Restraining Order is also known as an Abuse Prevention Order (MGL c. 209A. The purpose of this order is to provide protection from physical or sexual harm caused by force or threat of harm from a family or household member.
In order to stop domestic violence, the Abuse Prevention Order works to physically separate the plaintiff “victim” from the defendant, “abuser” and stop financial, psychological and emotional abuse upon the victim. An Abuse Prevention Order is designed to accomplish the following:
(1) Physically limit the defendant’s personal freedom & liberty;
(2) Deny the defendant access to the home;
(3) Prohibit the defendant from all contact with his children;
(4) Remove the defendant’s rights to own a firearm;
(5) Require the defendant to pay financial support to the plaintiff for child support, maintenance for a home. or payments to the plaintiff.
(6) Provides the plaintiff with the ability to have the defendant arrested upon the Defendant further contacting or abusing the plaintiff.
An Abuse Prevention Order is a civil court order intended to provide protection from physical or sexual harm caused by force or threat of harm from a family or household member. Once the Defendant violates the order, that is when criminal charges may be involved.
We have helped victims as well as alleged abusers who are involed with these type of Abuse Prevention Orders. Please call us today if you are a victim or an alleged abuser.