{"id":4841,"date":"2024-04-18T22:07:02","date_gmt":"2024-04-18T22:07:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/?p=4841"},"modified":"2025-05-24T13:11:36","modified_gmt":"2025-05-24T13:11:36","slug":"someone-harassing-you-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do You Deal With Someone Harassing You in Massachusetts?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"4841\" class=\"elementor elementor-4841\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-43e2cfc e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"43e2cfc\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf4002b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bf4002b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In Massachusetts, if you are experiencing harassment, consider these steps:<\/p><ol><li><strong>Document the Harassment:<\/strong> Keep a record of all incidents, including dates, times, and any witnesses.<\/li><li><strong>Contact Law Enforcement:<\/strong> Report the harassment to your local police department. They can guide you on the possibility of filing charges.<\/li><li><strong>Seek a <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/understanding-harassment-prevention-orders-massachusetts\/\">Harassment Prevention Order: Massachusetts<\/a> law allows you to obtain a Harassment Prevention Order (HPO) if you&#8217;ve been harassed three or more times. This order can prohibit the harasser from contacting or approaching you.<\/li><li><strong>Consult an Attorney:<\/strong> An attorney can provide legal advice tailored to your situation.<\/li><li><strong>Use Workplace Resources:<\/strong> If the harassment occurs at work, report it to your employer or HR department, as they are required to address such issues.<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-23d3d8c elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"23d3d8c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/VAdfyb9x_-M?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ebe6bf5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-boomdevs-toc-widget\" data-id=\"ebe6bf5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;],&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_anchor_link_offset&quot;:0}\" data-widget_type=\"boomdevs-toc-widget.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        \n            \n            <div class=\"fit_content\">\n                <div class=\"bd_toc_container\" data-fixedWidth=\"\">\n                    <div class=\"bd_toc_wrapper\" data-wrapperPadding=\"48px\">\n                        <div class=\"bd_toc_wrapper_item\">\n                            <div class=\"bd_toc_header active\" data-headerPadding=\"2px\">\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_header_title\">\n                                    Table of Contents                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_switcher_hide_show_icon\">\n                                    <span class=\"bd_toc_arrow\"><\/span>                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"bd_toc_content list-type-number\">\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_content_list \">\n                                    <div class='bd_toc_content_list_item'>    <ul>\n      <li class=\"first\">\n        <a href=\"#navigating-harassment-in-massachusetts-a-guide-to-your-legal-rights-and-remedies\">Navigating Harassment in Massachusetts: A Guide to Your Legal Rights and Remedies<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#understanding-harassment-under-massachusetts-law\">Understanding Harassment Under Massachusetts Law<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#legal-protections-and-procedures\">Legal Protections and Procedures<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#steps-to-take-if-you-are-harassed\">Steps to Take if You Are Harassed<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#workplace-harassment\">Workplace Harassment<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#consulting-with-an-attorney\">Consulting with an Attorney<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#additional-help\">Additional Help<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li class=\"last\">\n        <a href=\"#legal-disclaimer\">Legal Disclaimer<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n<\/div>                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"layout_toggle_button\">\n                        <span class=\"bd_toc_arrow\"><\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n    \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-43c478f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"43c478f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='navigating-harassment-in-massachusetts-a-guide-to-your-legal-rights-and-remedies'  id=\"boomdevs_1\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Navigating Harassment in Massachusetts: A Guide to Your Legal Rights and Remedies<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-106bc30 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"106bc30\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Harassment is a serious issue that affects many individuals across various contexts, whether through social media, workplace environments, or personal interactions. In Massachusetts, the law provides several means of protection for victims of harassment, including criminal charges and civil orders. Understanding your legal options is crucial in taking effective action to protect yourself and your rights. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps and legal concepts, helping you navigate the complexities of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/verbal-harassment-massachusetts\/\">harassment in Massachusetts<\/a> with the help of affordable legal assistance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fe46c2c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fe46c2c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='understanding-harassment-under-massachusetts-law'  id=\"boomdevs_2\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Understanding Harassment Under Massachusetts Law<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fcf3449 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"fcf3449\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/PIbiS5W02Mo?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9822537 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9822537\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='what-constitutes-harassment'  id=\"boomdevs_3\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Constitutes Harassment?<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-efeaf42 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"efeaf42\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 258E, harassment is defined as three or more acts of willful and malicious conduct aimed at a specific person that seriously alarms or annoys them, causing substantial emotional distress. This could include a series of acts such as:<\/p><ul><li>threatening phone calls,<\/li><li>texts, emails, or<\/li><li>actions that are not just annoying but that a reasonable person would find seriously alarming.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3416290 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3416290\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='knowing-pattern-of-conduct'  id=\"boomdevs_4\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Knowing Pattern of Conduct<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-831b251 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"831b251\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>It\u2019s important to understand that a pattern of conduct can include various forms of communication and behavior, including:<\/p><ul><li>electronic communications,<\/li><li>internet communications, and<\/li><li>social media activities.<\/li><\/ul><p>Each act, whether it is an instant message or a post on social media, contributes to a knowing pattern of conduct that Massachusetts courts take seriously.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-964fb3d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"964fb3d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='legal-protections-and-procedures'  id=\"boomdevs_5\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Legal Protections <br>and Procedures<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f26b560 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f26b560\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='criminal-charges-and-civil-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_6\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Criminal Charges and Civil Orders<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1e7e518 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1e7e518\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Harassment can lead to criminal harassment charges, where the perpetrator, if found guilty, may face jail time in a House of Correction or even state prison for subsequent offenses. For civil recourse, a victim may seek a Harassment Prevention Order (HPO), which serves as a protective order to prevent further harassment.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f1e2db3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f1e2db3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='harassment-prevention-orders-hpo'  id=\"boomdevs_7\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Harassment Prevention Orders (HPO)<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-02d19c3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"02d19c3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>To obtain an HPO, you must demonstrate that you suffered from a series of acts constituting harassment, posing a substantial likelihood of immediate danger of harassment. This court order can restrict the harasser from making contact or even coming near you for a specified period of time.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aab76ed elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"aab76ed\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='steps-to-take-if-you-are-harassed'  id=\"boomdevs_8\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Steps to Take if You Are Harassed<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ef76e4a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ef76e4a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='immediate-actions'  id=\"boomdevs_9\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Immediate Actions<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dce7213 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"dce7213\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you believe you are in immediate danger, contacting law enforcement is critical. For non-immediate threats, documenting every incident is key. This includes saving any text messages, emails, or social media communications, as well as noting dates, times, and any witnesses.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e8201ba elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e8201ba\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='how-to-file-for-a-harassment-prevention-order'  id=\"boomdevs_10\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How to File for a Harassment Prevention Order<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b251800 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"b251800\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/BjgPvAofm5g?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b70ed5f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b70ed5f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you&#8217;re being harassed, you can ask the court to step in and stop it. The first thing to do is file for a Harassment Prevention Order. To do so, you&#8217;ll need to fill out several forms, file them with the civil clerk at your local court and have a hearing. This will be the first of two hearings if you want the Order extended.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4c5b5ba elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4c5b5ba\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='temporary-restraining-order'  id=\"boomdevs_11\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Temporary Restraining Order<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-00a1272 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"00a1272\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/tqyMJfO00DM?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4ccca6f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4ccca6f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If the judge is convinced that you need protection, they will issue a Temporary Order. This Order will be in place for 10 business days. If you want the Order extended beyond that time, you need to go back to court for a 2-party hearing.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bdd51e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"bdd51e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/635heMTFgYg?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8048603 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8048603\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The big difference between the ex-party hearing and the 2-party hearing is that your harasser may be present at the 2-party hearing. They have the right to present their side of the story and ask that the Order not be extended.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4d3ef48 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4d3ef48\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='report-to-authorities'  id=\"boomdevs_12\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Report to Authorities<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0f312c3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0f312c3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Once evidence is compiled, it should be presented to the local police department. They can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/reporting-harassment-in-massachusetts-a-comprehensive-guide\/\" data-wplink-edit=\"true\">guide you on whether the harassment<\/a> merits a criminal complaint or advise on obtaining a Harassment Prevention Order.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a5403dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a5403dc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='workplace-harassment'  id=\"boomdevs_13\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Workplace Harassment<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5a02530 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5a02530\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='rights-and-reporting'  id=\"boomdevs_14\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Rights and Reporting<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b54d246 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b54d246\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If the harassment occurs at your place of employment, you have the right to report it to your employer. Under state laws, employers are required to address harassment complaints and ensure a workplace free from hostile environments.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2663e5b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2663e5b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='legal-action-beyond-hr'  id=\"boomdevs_15\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Legal Action Beyond HR<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c73bb50 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c73bb50\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Should your employer fail to take appropriate action, or if the harassment continues, legal action may be necessary. This might involve pursuing a hostile work environment lawsuit or seeking a protective order to prevent further harassment at work.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-43bc9e4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"43bc9e4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='consulting-with-an-attorney'  id=\"boomdevs_16\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Consulting with an Attorney<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e104a86 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e104a86\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='importance-of-legal-advice'  id=\"boomdevs_17\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Importance of Legal Advice<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fcdbaad elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fcdbaad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>While many resources can offer guidance, consulting with an attorney provides tailored legal advice that can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Attorneys can assist with:<\/p><ul><li>filing legal paperwork,<\/li><li>representing you in court, and<\/li><li>ensuring your rights are fully protected.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e700255 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e700255\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='help-getting-a-restraining-order-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_18\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Help Getting a Restraining Order in Massachusetts<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f3f4a26 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"f3f4a26\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/LJTbn6MDwtg?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aebe97b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"aebe97b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you&#8217;d like help getting a Restraining Order without paying an expensive attorney, we can help. With our Legal Coaching we can walk you through every step to make sure you&#8217;re ready for your hearing. The first thing to do is see if you qualify for a <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/massachusetts-restraining-orders\/\"   title=\"Massachusetts Restraining Order\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">Massachusetts Restraining Order<\/a>. Click on the link below to see if you qualify for either type of Restraining Order.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bc95281 elementor-align-center elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"bc95281\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-xl\" href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/qualify-ro\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Do i qualify for a restraining order?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-17e2ee4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"17e2ee4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='additional-help'  id=\"boomdevs_19\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Additional Help<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1995f5a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1995f5a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>There are numerous support services and advocacy groups dedicated to helping harassment victims. These organizations can provide counseling, legal help, and guidance on how to handle harassment both legally and personally.<\/p><p>Facing harassment is undoubtedly challenging, but knowing your rights and the available legal avenues can empower you to take decisive action. Remember, you do not have to face this alone. Legal help is available, and with the right knowledge and support, you can achieve the best possible outcome.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e45a343 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e45a343\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='legal-disclaimer'  id=\"boomdevs_20\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Legal Disclaimer<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-66a4055 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"66a4055\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an attorney to discuss your specific circumstances and receive tailored guidance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In Massachusetts, if you are experiencing harassment, consider these steps: Document the Harassment: Keep a record of all incidents, including dates, times, and any witnesses. Contact Law Enforcement: Report the harassment to your local police department. They can guide you on the possibility of filing charges. Seek a Harassment Prevention Order: Massachusetts law allows you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4842,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4841","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-restraining-orders"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How Do You Deal With Someone Harassing You in Massachusetts? - Afford Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Understand your legal rights and options in Massachusetts if you&#039;re facing harassment. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of harassment laws, protective measures, and how to seek affordable legal help.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How Do You Deal With Someone Harassing You in Massachusetts? - Afford Law\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Understand your legal rights and options in Massachusetts if you&#039;re facing harassment. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of harassment laws, protective measures, and how to seek affordable legal help.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Afford Law\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/affordlaw.org\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-04-18T22:07:02+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-05-24T13:11:36+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/man-touching-woman.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Attorney Paul Whelan\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Attorney Paul Whelan\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Attorney Paul Whelan\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/4f280d694ac334f7d65660bfb22b5084\"},\"headline\":\"How Do You Deal With Someone Harassing You in Massachusetts?\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-04-18T22:07:02+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-24T13:11:36+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1119,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/staging\\\/2465\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/man-touching-woman.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Restraining Orders\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\\\/\",\"name\":\"How Do You Deal With Someone Harassing You in Massachusetts? - Afford Law\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/staging\\\/2465\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/man-touching-woman.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-04-18T22:07:02+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-24T13:11:36+00:00\",\"description\":\"Understand your legal rights and options in Massachusetts if you're facing harassment. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of harassment laws, protective measures, and how to seek affordable legal help.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/staging\\\/2465\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/man-touching-woman.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/staging\\\/2465\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/man-touching-woman.png\",\"width\":500,\"height\":500,\"caption\":\"Uncomfortable woman being touched by a man.\"},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/\",\"name\":\"Afford Law\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Afford Law\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/staging\\\/2465\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/Logo.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/staging\\\/2465\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/Logo.webp\",\"width\":1000,\"height\":859,\"caption\":\"Afford Law\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/4f280d694ac334f7d65660bfb22b5084\",\"name\":\"Attorney Paul Whelan\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/5919481b37cdfa91af93fd692108f1f0500ac16e1932253330f2bc1c716721f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/5919481b37cdfa91af93fd692108f1f0500ac16e1932253330f2bc1c716721f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/5919481b37cdfa91af93fd692108f1f0500ac16e1932253330f2bc1c716721f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Attorney Paul Whelan\"},\"description\":\"I have been practicing law in Massachusetts since 1995. My focus is in the areas of criminal and family law. I'm dedicated to providing high-quality legal help at an affordable price. I practice throughout Massachusetts. I earned my MBA from the University of Rhode Island in 2023. I earned my JD from New England School of Law in 1994. I earned my BA from Rhode Island College in 1990.\",\"sameAs\":[\"http:\\\/\\\/www.affordlaw.org\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/affordlaw.org\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/affordlaw\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/in\\\/paul-whelan-41a2901a\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@AffordLaw\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/affordlaw.org\\\/staging\\\/2465\\\/author\\\/affordlaw\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How Do You Deal With Someone Harassing You in Massachusetts? - Afford Law","description":"Understand your legal rights and options in Massachusetts if you're facing harassment. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of harassment laws, protective measures, and how to seek affordable legal help.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How Do You Deal With Someone Harassing You in Massachusetts? - Afford Law","og_description":"Understand your legal rights and options in Massachusetts if you're facing harassment. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of harassment laws, protective measures, and how to seek affordable legal help.","og_url":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\/","og_site_name":"Afford Law","article_author":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/affordlaw.org","article_published_time":"2024-04-18T22:07:02+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-05-24T13:11:36+00:00","og_image":[{"width":500,"height":500,"url":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/man-touching-woman.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Attorney Paul Whelan","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Attorney Paul Whelan","Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\/"},"author":{"name":"Attorney Paul Whelan","@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#\/schema\/person\/4f280d694ac334f7d65660bfb22b5084"},"headline":"How Do You Deal With Someone Harassing You in Massachusetts?","datePublished":"2024-04-18T22:07:02+00:00","dateModified":"2025-05-24T13:11:36+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\/"},"wordCount":1119,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/man-touching-woman.png","articleSection":["Restraining Orders"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\/","url":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\/","name":"How Do You Deal With Someone Harassing You in Massachusetts? - Afford Law","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/man-touching-woman.png","datePublished":"2024-04-18T22:07:02+00:00","dateModified":"2025-05-24T13:11:36+00:00","description":"Understand your legal rights and options in Massachusetts if you're facing harassment. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of harassment laws, protective measures, and how to seek affordable legal help.","inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/someone-harassing-you-massachusetts\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/man-touching-woman.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/man-touching-woman.png","width":500,"height":500,"caption":"Uncomfortable woman being touched by a man."},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#website","url":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/","name":"Afford Law","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#organization","name":"Afford Law","url":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Logo.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Logo.webp","width":1000,"height":859,"caption":"Afford Law"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/#\/schema\/person\/4f280d694ac334f7d65660bfb22b5084","name":"Attorney Paul Whelan","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/5919481b37cdfa91af93fd692108f1f0500ac16e1932253330f2bc1c716721f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/5919481b37cdfa91af93fd692108f1f0500ac16e1932253330f2bc1c716721f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/5919481b37cdfa91af93fd692108f1f0500ac16e1932253330f2bc1c716721f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Attorney Paul Whelan"},"description":"I have been practicing law in Massachusetts since 1995. My focus is in the areas of criminal and family law. I'm dedicated to providing high-quality legal help at an affordable price. I practice throughout Massachusetts. I earned my MBA from the University of Rhode Island in 2023. I earned my JD from New England School of Law in 1994. I earned my BA from Rhode Island College in 1990.","sameAs":["http:\/\/www.affordlaw.org","https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/affordlaw.org","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/affordlaw\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/paul-whelan-41a2901a\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@AffordLaw"],"url":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/author\/affordlaw\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4841","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4841"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4841\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8135,"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4841\/revisions\/8135"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4842"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4841"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4841"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4841"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}