{"id":5502,"date":"2024-05-07T10:49:50","date_gmt":"2024-05-07T10:49:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/?p=5502"},"modified":"2025-05-23T11:32:16","modified_gmt":"2025-05-23T11:32:16","slug":"qualifies-harassment-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/qualifies-harassment-massachusetts\/","title":{"rendered":"What Qualifies as Harassment in MA?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"5502\" class=\"elementor elementor-5502\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4f6735e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4f6735e\" 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-294e86f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"294e86f\" 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 legally defined as three or more acts of willful and malicious conduct aimed at a specific person which are intended to cause fear, intimidation, abuse, or damage to property. This definition includes behavior that seriously alarms or annoys the person, and would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress. The conduct must also have actually caused such distress to the targeted individual. Acts of harassment can include stalking, threats, bullying, and more, depending on the context and severity of the actions.<\/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-d615d3c elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"d615d3c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/naeX3H48YhE?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-54ef5e1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-boomdevs-toc-widget\" data-id=\"54ef5e1\" 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=\"#what-constitutes-harassment\">What Constitutes Harassment?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#legal-definitions-and-key-terms\">Legal Definitions and Key Terms<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#harassment-prevention-orders\">Harassment Prevention Orders<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#filing-for-a-harassment-prevention-order\">Filing for a Harassment Prevention Order<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#court-hearings-for-harassment-prevention-orders\">Court Hearings for Harassment Prevention Orders<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#criteria-for-issuing-harassment-prevention-orders\">Criteria for Issuing Harassment Prevention Orders<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#provisions-and-validity-of-harassment-prevention-orders\">Provisions and Validity of Harassment Prevention Orders<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#enforcement-and-violations\">Enforcement and Violations<\/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=\"#criminal-harassment-charges\">Criminal Harassment Charges<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#harassment-in-digital-communications\">Harassment in Digital Communications<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#the-court-system-and-trials\">The Court System and Trials<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#legal-concepts-fighting-words-and-true-threats\">Legal Concepts: Fighting Words and True Threats<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#protecting-your-rights\">Protecting Your Rights<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#seeking-help-and-further-information\">Seeking Help and Further Information<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li class=\"last\">\n        <a href=\"#seeking-help-and-further-information-1\">Seeking Help and Further Information<\/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-d1a77f4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d1a77f4\" 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='what-constitutes-harassment'  id=\"boomdevs_1\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Constitutes Harassment?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-312a069 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"312a069\" 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 involves a series of acts directed at a specific person that are intended to cause:<\/p><ul><li>fear,<\/li><li>intimidation, or<\/li><li>distress<\/li><\/ul><p>These acts may include unwelcome:<\/p><ul><li>text messages,<\/li><li>phone calls,<\/li><li>internet communications, or even<\/li><li>physical conduct.<\/li><\/ul><p>For behavior to be legally recognized as harassment, it must involve three or more separate occasions of such conduct, demonstrating a knowing pattern of conduct that significantly disturbs the recipient.<\/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-fc67bbd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fc67bbd\" 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-definitions-and-key-terms'  id=\"boomdevs_2\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Legal Definitions and Key Terms<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8837108 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8837108\" 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='the-role-of-a-reasonable-person'  id=\"boomdevs_3\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Role of a \"Reasonable Person\"<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d93bc80 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d93bc80\" 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 reasonable person standard is often applied in harassment cases to determine if the behavior would generally affect a normal individual under similar circumstances. This helps in assessing claims of substantial emotional distress. Under this standard, the court isn\u2019t considering whether you were affected by the harassing behavior, but rather, if the average person would have suffered harm.<\/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-20a19b7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"20a19b7\" 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='defining-substantial-emotional-distress'  id=\"boomdevs_4\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Defining \"Substantial Emotional Distress\"<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d211cf0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d211cf0\" 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>Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may affect daily activities or requires professional treatment. It is not simply annoyance or upset; the impact must be considerable and demonstrable.<\/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-5c3d5bd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5c3d5bd\" 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='harassment-prevention-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_5\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">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-441f6e9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"441f6e9\" 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 Prevention Orders are a critical tool in Massachusetts law designed to protect individuals from harassment, including:<\/p><ul><li>stalking,<\/li><li>sexual harassment, and<\/li><li>other forms of malicious behavior.<\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Here&#8217;s a look at how these orders work and the process involved in obtaining one.<\/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-d6877d0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d6877d0\" 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='filing-for-a-harassment-prevention-order'  id=\"boomdevs_6\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Filing for a 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-2dd2323 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"2dd2323\" 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-d74fd3b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d74fd3b\" 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 you filing an Application at your local court. This application must detail the nature of the harassment, providing specific instances that meet the state&#8217;s legal definition of harassment\u2014namely, three or more acts of willful and malicious conduct aimed 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-4a1ad0a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4a1ad0a\" 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='court-hearings-for-harassment-prevention-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_7\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Court Hearings for 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-18c7d8a elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"18c7d8a\" 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-0475864 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0475864\" 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 the Application is filed, you\u2019ll have a hearing that same day. At this hearing, you must present evidence supporting your claim of harassment. This evidence can include but is not limited to:<\/p><ul><li>text messages,<\/li><li>emails,<\/li><li>witness statements, and<\/li><li>any other documentation that substantiates the pattern of harassment.<\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>In cases where immediate protection is necessary, a Temporary Harassment Prevention Order can be issued without the presence of your harasser. This temporary order is generally valid until the formal hearing, which is usually scheduled within 10 days.<\/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-224e3cc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"224e3cc\" 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='criteria-for-issuing-harassment-prevention-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_8\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Criteria for Issuing 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-d2e25db elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"d2e25db\" 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-c452393 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c452393\" 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>During the formal hearing, both you and your harasser have the opportunity to present your sides. The judge evaluates the evidence based on the &#8220;preponderance of evidence&#8221; standard, which is lower than the criminal standard of &#8220;beyond a reasonable doubt.&#8221; If the judge finds it more likely than not that harassment has occurred, they will issue 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-e3f6060 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e3f6060\" 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='provisions-and-validity-of-harassment-prevention-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_9\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Provisions and Validity of 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-8c48fdc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8c48fdc\" 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 harassment prevention order may include several provisions, such as:<\/p><ul><li>prohibiting further contact with you,<\/li><li>requiring your harasser to stay away from your home or workplace, and<\/li><li>other terms necessary to protect you.<\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>These orders can last for up to a year and can be extended upon request if the threat persists.<\/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-02934a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"02934a7\" 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='enforcement-and-violations'  id=\"boomdevs_10\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Enforcement and Violations<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d2c6b66 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"d2c6b66\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/q1rHQTp1HX8?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-43f821c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"43f821c\" 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 issued, Harassment Prevention Orders are enforceable throughout the state. Violating a harassment prevention order is a criminal offense and can lead to arrest and potential charges, which may result in jail time, fines, or both. It&#8217;s crucial for both parties to understand the terms of the Order and for your harasser to strictly follow them to avoid further legal complications.<\/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-5d9c5af elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5d9c5af\" 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_11\" 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-9854f59 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"9854f59\" 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-d74a3f0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d74a3f0\" 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-6c868e4 elementor-align-center elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"6c868e4\" 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-021f79d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"021f79d\" 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='criminal-harassment-charges'  id=\"boomdevs_12\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Criminal Harassment Charges<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-31cfae3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"31cfae3\" 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 involves threats of:<\/p><ul><li>physical harm,<\/li><li>sexual assault, or<\/li><li>other criminal offenses,<\/li><\/ul><p>criminal charges can be pursued. These charges might lead to prosecution, potentially resulting in jail time, fines, or both, depending on the severity and nature of the 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-ff1f1c4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ff1f1c4\" 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='harassment-in-digital-communications'  id=\"boomdevs_13\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Harassment in Digital Communications<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1aa8265 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1aa8265\" 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>With the rise of digital technology, harassment through electronic communication devices has become increasingly common. This includes harassment via:<\/p><ul><li>social media,<\/li><li>instant messages, and<\/li><li>email.<\/li><\/ul><p>Massachusetts law covers all forms of electronic communications under harassment statutes, recognizing the evolving nature of personal interactions.<\/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-2020edf elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2020edf\" 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='the-court-system-and-trials'  id=\"boomdevs_14\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Court System and Trials<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d96375c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d96375c\" 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='navigating-massachusetts-courts'  id=\"boomdevs_15\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Navigating Massachusetts Courts<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fd62924 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fd62924\" 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 the role of different courts in Massachusetts, such as Juvenile, District, and Superior Courts, is vital when dealing with harassment cases. Each court has specific jurisdictions and procedures for handling these cases.<\/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-761cfe3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"761cfe3\" 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='trial-processes-and-jury-trials'  id=\"boomdevs_16\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Trial Processes and Jury Trials<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cabd8fd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cabd8fd\" 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 cases where harassment escalates to criminal charges, your harasser may have the right to a jury trial. The trial process is an opportunity the government, representing you, and your harasser to present evidence and argue their case, ultimately aiming for a just verdict.<\/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-4f98a93 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4f98a93\" 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='first-amendment-considerations'  id=\"boomdevs_17\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">First Amendment Considerations<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7d349c0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7d349c0\" 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 addressing harassment, it&#8217;s important to balance the rights afforded by the First Amendment. Not all unpleasant or offensive speech constitutes harassment. Legal advice is often necessary to discern between what is legally actionable and what is protected speech. There are only two categories of speech that will qualify as harassment:<\/p><ol><li>Fighting words, and<\/li><li>True threats.<\/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-8c2fcae elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8c2fcae\" 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-concepts-fighting-words-and-true-threats'  id=\"boomdevs_18\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Legal Concepts: Fighting Words and True Threats<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-975533e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"975533e\" 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='understanding-fighting-words'  id=\"boomdevs_19\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Understanding Fighting Words<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f362eab elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f362eab\" 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>&#8220;Fighting words&#8221; are those spoken face-to-face that could lead someone to commit an act of violence. However, in the context of harassment, merely offensive or rude speech does not meet the threshold of criminal harassment unless it can be shown to provoke immediate violence or pose a true threat to safety.<\/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-8e86ca3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8e86ca3\" 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='true-threats-explained'  id=\"boomdevs_20\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">True Threats Explained<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-048b346 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"048b346\" 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 &#8220;true threat&#8221; involves statements where the speaker means to communicate a serious expression of intent to commit an act of unlawful violence. Unlike general offensive speech, true threats are not protected under the First Amendment and can be pursued legally if they meet the criteria of causing reasonable fear in victims.<\/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-20bef73 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"20bef73\" 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='protecting-your-rights'  id=\"boomdevs_21\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Protecting Your Rights<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0966bf4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0966bf4\" 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-protections-and-civil-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_22\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Legal Protections 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-583e3bb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"583e3bb\" 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>Beyond criminal proceedings, victims can seek civil orders and protective orders to safeguard against further harassment. These orders are crucial in preventing contact and protecting sensitive information.<\/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-374230a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"374230a\" 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='seeking-help-and-further-information'  id=\"boomdevs_23\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Seeking Help and <br>Further Information<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c79dd36 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c79dd36\" 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 a victim of harassment, taking prompt and informed action is essential. Understanding your legal rights and the resources available can empower you to address the situation effectively and seek the best possible outcome under state law.<\/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-4c5e9d6 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"4c5e9d6\" 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-sm\" href=\"\">\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\">Your freedom is a<br> phone call away <br> 508-453-1250<\/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-0031f41 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0031f41\" 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_24\" 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-f38041d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f38041d\" 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<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c2d36a3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c2d36a3\" 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='seeking-help-and-further-information-1'  id=\"boomdevs_25\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Seeking Help and Further Information<\/h2>\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 legally defined as three or more acts of willful and malicious conduct aimed at a specific person which are intended to cause fear, intimidation, abuse, or damage to property. This definition includes behavior that seriously alarms or annoys the person, and would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5503,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5502","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 Qualifies as Harassment in MA? - Afford Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore our comprehensive guide to harassment laws in Massachusetts, designed to help you understand your legal rights, the process of obtaining protective orders, and how to handle harassment claims. 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