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Harassment Prevention Order
A harassment prevention order is a civil court order designed to protect a person from repeated harassment, abuse, or threatening behavior by another individual. It aims to stop violent or threatening acts, abuse, communication, contact, or harassment directed at the person seeking protection. The order can also require the harasser to stay away from the protected person's home, workplace, or other specified locations.
Key features of a harassment prevention order include:
- It is issued when there are three or more acts of malicious behavior directed at a specific person, with the intent to cause fear, intimidation, abuse, or property damage, and these acts actually cause such effects.
- It can also be issued if certain crimes such as sexual assault, rape, stalking, criminal harassment, or drugging for sexual intercourse have occurred.
- Unlike some other protective orders, the person seeking a harassment prevention order does not need to have a domestic, family, or romantic relationship with the harasser.
- The order can require the harasser to:
- Stop abusing or harassing the protected person
- Cease all contact unless permitted by the court
- Stay a certain distance away from the protected person’s home or workplace
- Pay compensation for financial losses related to the harassment, such as lost earnings or medical expenses.
Harassment prevention orders are often referred to as "258E orders" based on the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 258E, which governs them.
In summary, a harassment prevention order is a legal tool to stop ongoing harassment or abuse by someone, regardless of the relationship, by legally prohibiting further harmful actions and contact, thereby providing safety and relief to the victim.