In Massachusetts, domestic violence victims and their families have certain protections under state law, including as it relates to their employment. A state law passed in 2014, M.G.L. c. 12, §§ 3, 6, and 9, allows anyone who has experienced domestic violence or has...
How do abuse prevention orders work in Massachusetts?
Domestic violence affects an alarming number of people in Massachusetts and throughout the country. Spousal abuse, along with child and elder abuse, are likely the most well-known examples. However, domestic abuse and violence may occur between different family...
Massachusetts domestic violence laws: Who is protected?
In the state of Massachusetts, it is against the law to commit domestic violence against a family or household member. Not only does the law specifically state who is considered a family or household member, but it is clear regarding what constitutes domestic violence...
How domestic violence claims can influence a custody case
In Massachusetts, judges evaluate a variety of factors to decide whether it is in the child's best interests to have one parent as the primary caregiver. State law requires judges to investigate allegations of domestic violence prior to making a ruling in a child...
Deeper than the physical scars
When you hear about someone being involved in domestic violence, you may think about hitting, punching or other types of physical abuse. However, there are many other ways that domestic violence can be committed in Massachusetts and other locations. This type of...
What is psychological abuse?
In the state of Massachusetts, domestic violence doesn't have to be physical. Your partner could accuse you of emotional abuse when they bring the case to court. Emotional abuse can be hard to define, but it typically has a few main components. What are some examples...
Spotting the signs of domestic violence
Many Massachusetts residents can easily recount fond memories that involve the honeymoon stages of past relationships. In many cases, these individuals could not detect issues in the early stages of a romantic relationship that indicated signs of later problems. This...
Is stalking evidence always credible?
Stalking is about more than “bothering” someone. A stalker could put an intended victim into a state of tremendous fear. Fears might be warranted, as some stalkers could be prone to violence. Procuring a restraining order might help the situation and, in some cases,...
Domestic violence protections apply to many types of relationships
Domestic violence is a serious problem in Massachusetts and throughout the United States. It is important that individuals understand the domestic violence laws of their own jurisdictions so that they understand who and how protections are granted. This post will...
Understanding domestic assault and battery
Domestic violence can have serious consequences. Because the terms assault and battery are often used when describing domestic violence, it’s helpful to understand their general meaning and the penalties that a court can impose under Massachusetts law. An assault is...
