{"id":5443,"date":"2024-05-05T10:54:09","date_gmt":"2024-05-05T10:54:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/?p=5443"},"modified":"2025-03-20T10:35:19","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T10:35:19","slug":"what-considered-harassment-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/what-considered-harassment-massachusetts\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Considered and What Is Not Considered Harassment in Massachusetts?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"5443\" class=\"elementor elementor-5443\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-df385e6 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"df385e6\" 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-73fef62 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"73fef62\" 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, harassment is defined under the law as three or more acts of willful and malicious conduct aimed at a specific person that are intended to cause fear, intimidation, abuse, or damage to property. Examples include:<\/p><ol><li><strong>Threats<\/strong> &#8211; Making threats to harm someone physically or ruin their reputation.<\/li><li><strong>Stalking<\/strong> &#8211; Repeatedly following or watching someone.<\/li><li><strong>Property Damage<\/strong> &#8211; Intentionally damaging someone&#8217;s property.<\/li><li><strong>Physical Assault<\/strong> &#8211; Any unwanted physical contact.<\/li><li><strong>Sexual Harassment<\/strong> &#8211; Unwanted sexual advances or remarks.<\/li><\/ol><p>Conversely, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/behaviors-not-harassment-massachusetts\/\">actions that are typically not considered harassment include<\/a>:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Single Incidents:<\/strong> A one-time comment or action (unless extremely severe).<\/li><li><strong>Basic Rudeness or Disagreements:<\/strong> Ordinary conflicts or blunt comments without a pattern of targeted behavior.<\/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-71a11d4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"71a11d4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/i_RUP6jXYlU?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-acff552 elementor-widget elementor-widget-boomdevs-toc-widget\" data-id=\"acff552\" 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=\"#defining-harassment-legal-perspectives\">Defining Harassment: Legal Perspectives<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#chapter-258e-harassment-prevention-orders\">Chapter 258E: Harassment Prevention Orders<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#temporary-harassment-prevention-order\">Temporary Harassment Prevention Order<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#help-getting-a-restraining-order-in-massachusetts\">Help Getting a Restraining Order in Massachusetts<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#addressing-workplace-harassment\">Addressing Workplace Harassment<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#support-and-resources\">Support and Resources<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li class=\"last\">\n        <a href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/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-29b9260 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"29b9260\" 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='defining-harassment-legal-perspectives'  id=\"boomdevs_1\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Defining Harassment:<br> Legal Perspectives<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-551dc5e elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"551dc5e\" 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-cc9afa4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"cc9afa4\" 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-under-massachusetts-law'  id=\"boomdevs_2\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Harassment Under Massachusetts Law<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cdd72ff elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cdd72ff\" 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 in Massachusetts encompasses repeated acts that are willful, malicious, and aimed to cause fear, intimidation, or damage. These actions include physical assault, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/verbal-abuse-massachusetts\/\">verbal abuse<\/a>, sexual jokes, and online harassment through social media and electronic communication.<\/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-d39a342 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d39a342\" 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='different-types-of-harassment'  id=\"boomdevs_3\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Different Types of Harassment<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-53cb22c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"53cb22c\" 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 scope of harassment extends beyond the physical, including psychological harassment, discriminatory harassment based on protected characteristics like:<\/p><ul><li>sexual orientation,<\/li><li>gender identity, and<\/li><li>national origin,<\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>and unwanted sexual advances. Recognizing these forms is the first step in taking legal action.<\/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-2c4baa0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2c4baa0\" 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='chapter-258e-harassment-prevention-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_4\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Chapter 258E: Harassment Prevention Orders<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e137778 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e137778\" 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='purpose-and-function-of-258e-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_5\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Purpose and Function of 258E Orders<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f7c2332 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f7c2332\" 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>Massachusetts law provides for 258E Harassment Prevention Orders as a legal remedy if you\u2019re experiencing harassment. These orders are designed to prevent further unlawful harassment and other forms of intimidation by legally stopping the harasser from continuing their behavior.<\/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-12a366c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"12a366c\" 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='obtaining-a-258e-order'  id=\"boomdevs_6\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Obtaining a 258E Order<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-470b876 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"470b876\" 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 secure a 258E Order, you must demonstrate a pattern of harassment that meets the state&#8217;s legal threshold. This involves documenting incidents of harassment, often supported by:<\/p><ul><li>text messages,<\/li><li>emails, and<\/li><li>witness statements,<\/li><\/ul><p>which illustrate the unwelcome and offensive nature of the behavior.<\/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-13384fe elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"13384fe\" 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='filing-for-a-harassment-prevention-order'  id=\"boomdevs_7\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Filing 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-4e89d10 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"4e89d10\" 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-eccfe28 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"eccfe28\" 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 process begins with filing a detailed complaint in your local court. \u00a0You need to clearly state all the examples of how you\u2019re being harassed. You can get a 258E Harassment Prevention Order if your harasser has:<\/p><ul><li>committed certain crimes,<\/li><li>forced or coerced you to have sexual relations, or<\/li><li>committed 3 or more separate acts of harassing behavior.<\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Harassing behavior is some act that is willful and malicious, aimed at you specifically with the \u00a0intent to cause fear, intimidation, abuse or damage to property.<\/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-6c6cd6b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6c6cd6b\" 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='temporary-harassment-prevention-order'  id=\"boomdevs_8\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Temporary Harassment Prevention Order<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b87aaa elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"3b87aaa\" 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-f36c4e9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f36c4e9\" 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 right away, they will issue a Temporary Harassment Prevention Order. This Order is valid for 10 business days. To extend that Order, you must attend a 2-party hearing where your harasser will also be present. You&#8217;ll both have the chance to address the court.<\/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-29da369 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"29da369\" 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-b78b51b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b78b51b\" 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='speech-that-is-not-harassing'  id=\"boomdevs_9\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Speech That is Not Harassing<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6fd7be8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6fd7be8\" 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>A lot of speech that you consider offensive or hurtful is not considered harassment. This type of speech falls under the protection of the First Amendment. So even though someone may say something that upsets you, you can\u2019t get a Harassment Order based on that.<\/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-75f0d89 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"75f0d89\" 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='speech-that-is-harassing'  id=\"boomdevs_10\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Speech That is Harassing<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-84b1ad5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"84b1ad5\" 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<h4 id='true-threats'  id=\"boomdevs_11\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">True Threats<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dcca7fb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"dcca7fb\" 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>True threats encompass communications or behaviors that convey a clear intent to cause harm or instill fear in another individual. These threats can range from direct statements of violence to actions that suggest an imminent danger to your safety or well-being. In legal contexts, true threats are distinguished from protected forms of speech by their explicit nature and the reasonable apprehension they create in you. Such threats can have serious implications for personal safety and may lead to legal consequences, as they violate your rights to feel secure and free from harm in your daily life.<\/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-4bf265a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4bf265a\" 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<h4 id='fighting-words'  id=\"boomdevs_12\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Fighting Words<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-55426b9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"55426b9\" 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><a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/fighting-words-massachusetts\/\">Fighting words<\/a> are verbal expressions or gestures that are likely to provoke an immediate violent response from you. These words typically involve:<\/p><ul><li>insults,<\/li><li>taunts, or<\/li><li>challenges<\/li><\/ul><p>directed at an individual in a confrontational manner. Unlike ordinary speech, which is protected by the First Amendment, fighting words fall outside the realm of protected speech due to their potential to incite violence or breach the peace. Courts have recognized that such words can cause harm by triggering aggressive reactions and undermining public 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-5026411 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5026411\" 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='help-getting-a-restraining-order-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_13\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Help Getting a Restraining Order in Massachusetts<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-83f80b9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"83f80b9\" 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-35e6b91 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"35e6b91\" 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-e76c9ea elementor-align-center elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"e76c9ea\" 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-36efbbc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"36efbbc\" 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='enforcement-and-compliance'  id=\"boomdevs_14\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Enforcement and Compliance<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6a25755 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6a25755\" 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 granted, compliance with a 258E Order is mandatory. Violations of the order are considered serious legal offenses in Massachusetts and can lead to fines, legal actions, and potential criminal charges against your harasser, ensuring your protection.<\/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-12c4222 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"12c4222\" 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='addressing-workplace-harassment'  id=\"boomdevs_15\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Addressing 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-6e5ac15 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6e5ac15\" 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='recognizing-workplace-harassment'  id=\"boomdevs_16\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Recognizing Workplace Harassment<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bd138dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bd138dc\" 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>Workplace harassment can include a:<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><ul><li>hostile working environment,<\/li><li>quid pro quo harassment, and<\/li><li>other forms of discriminatory harassment.<\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Employers are legally obligated to prevent such behavior and provide harassment prevention training to all employees.<\/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-7c82b08 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7c82b08\" 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-recourse-for-victims'  id=\"boomdevs_17\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Legal Recourse for Victims<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2185742 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2185742\" 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>Victims of workplace harassment can pursue multiple legal avenues, including filing harassment complaints with local governments or seeking disciplinary action against perpetrators through internal channels or legal systems.<\/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-96307f9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"96307f9\" 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='support-and-resources'  id=\"boomdevs_18\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Support and Resources<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-603083e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"603083e\" 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-and-emotional-support'  id=\"boomdevs_19\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Legal and Emotional Support<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-13a6f18 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"13a6f18\" 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>Victims of harassment have access to non-profit organizations, charities, and legal entities specializing in dealing with harassment issues, including sexual harassment lawsuits and psychological support.<\/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-73f2331 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"73f2331\" 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='next-steps-after-filing-a-complaint'  id=\"boomdevs_20\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Next Steps After Filing a Complaint<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8d2b7ed elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8d2b7ed\" 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>After initiating legal action, the next steps may involve preparing for court appearances, gathering potential witnesses, and continuing to document any new incidents of harassment to strengthen the case.<\/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-e8fdec2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e8fdec2\" 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='conclusion'  id=\"boomdevs_21\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Conclusion<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4db3c05 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4db3c05\" 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>Understanding your rights under Massachusetts law regarding harassment and the specific protections offered by 258E Harassment Prevention Orders is essential for maintaining your safety and legal rights. Awareness and proactive legal steps can significantly impact your ability to combat harassment and ensure a safe and respectful environment.<\/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-1bf8e27 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1bf8e27\" 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-disclaimer'  id=\"boomdevs_22\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Legal Disclaimer<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-44977d0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"44977d0\" 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, harassment is defined under the law as three or more acts of willful and malicious conduct aimed at a specific person that are intended to cause fear, intimidation, abuse, or damage to property. Examples include: Threats &#8211; Making threats to harm someone physically or ruin their reputation. Stalking &#8211; Repeatedly following or watching [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5444,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5443","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>What Is Considered and What Is Not Considered Harassment in Massachusetts? - Afford Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about the legal definitions of harassment and the protections offered by 258E Harassment Prevention Orders in Massachusetts. 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