1. Victim and Witness Rights
- Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA)
Offers advocacy, financial assistance, and legal resources for victims of crime, including harassment and abuse. - Mass.gov – Victim Rights and Services
Provides a summary of constitutional and statutory rights for crime victims in Massachusetts.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- MassLegalHelp
Statewide resource for free legal information, forms, and referrals covering abuse, harassment, and protection orders. - Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS)
Provides free legal assistance to low-income residents facing harassment, abuse, or civil rights violations.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, § 43
What it means: Willfully and maliciously engaging in a pattern of conduct or threats that cause fear or emotional distress. Includes both in-person and digital contact. - Harassment: Civil harassment order under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 258E
What it means: Harassment includes at least three acts of willful and malicious conduct aimed at alarming, annoying, or causing substantial emotional distress. Civil remedies available through courts. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Covered under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 71, § 370 (Education Code)
What it means: Requires all schools to have anti-bullying policies addressing both in-person and cyberbullying. Investigations and disciplinary actions are handled by the school district. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Based on Massachusetts common law.
What it means: Victims can sue for libel or slander if false statements cause measurable harm. There is no criminal defamation statute in Massachusetts.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Dial 911 for emergencies or immediate threats.
- Non-emergency reports can be filed with your local police department or court clerk’s office.
- Jane Doe Inc. – Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
Provides legal referrals, trauma support, and advocacy services statewide. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-877-785-2020
Available 24/7 to connect victims to shelters, legal help, and safety planning services.
5. Support Organizations
- Jane Doe Inc.
Statewide coalition providing outreach, education, and survivor support services related to domestic and sexual violence. - Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)
Offers legal advocacy, mental health services, and online abuse support for victims of sexual harassment and cyberstalking.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
Massachusetts residents may seek a Harassment Prevention Order or an Abuse Prevention Order through their local district or superior court. Both can prohibit contact, digital communication, and physical approach. Legal aid and court advocates are available to assist with filings.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – Bullying Prevention
Includes complaint procedures, school district requirements, and family resources.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- Massachusetts Court System – Protection Orders Guide
Offers information and links to restraining order forms, filing instructions, and court locations.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Offers tools to protect against cyberstalking, data breaches, and online harassment.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
