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Massachusetts recently enacted a law which assists victims of harassment.  The law, Chapter 258E, allows victims to obtain Harassment Prevention Orders (HPO) against their harasser.  HPOs are similar to  209A Abuse Prevention Orders; however, they may be obtained by anyone and not just those who are in certain types of relationships.  Harassment Prevention Orders can be a useful tool against chronic bullying.  If you are a victim of harassment, contact Winchester Police.

The basis for Harassment Prevention Orders is as follows:

• Three acts of intimidation, abuse or property damage that are willful and malicious conduct, aimed at a specific person with the intent to cause fear, intimidation, abuse or damage to property and which does result in fear, intimidation, abuse, or damage to property; or
• Involuntary sexual relations. A forceful or threatening act that causes another to involuntarily engage in sexual relations; or
• Specific crimes. A violation of the crime of indecent A&B on a child under 14 or on a person 15 and over or A&B or indecent A&B on a person with mental retardation; or rape, rape of a child, statutory rape; or assault with intent to rape; or stalking or criminal harassment; or drugging to engage in intercourse.

Components of Harassment Protection Orders:

• Refrain from abusing or harassing the plaintiff.
• No contact (unless authorized by the court).
• Remain away from the plaintiff’s household or workplace.
• Pay compensation for any losses suffered as a direct result
  of the harassment (e.g., loss of earnings, property damage,
  replacing locks, medical expenses, obtaining an unlisted phone
  number and reasonable attorney’s fees).