Guideline 2:05
Persons seeking to file complaints under c. 209A should not be denied the right to do so. To the extent that it is clear that the nature of the relationship is not a qualifying relationship, the clerk’s office can provide information regarding the availability of orders of protection pursuant to G.L. c. 258E. Even in such cases, if the plaintiff continues to request a c. 209A order, the Complaint for Protection from Abuse should be completed and the matter brought before the court.
The plaintiff, upon filing a complaint for a protection order, is to be given the “Resources for Safety and Support” flyers, which include statewide and regional listings for a variety of resources and programs.
Commentary
Courts should not authorize or permit a step in the abuse prevention procedure similar to the “screening out” process that can occur in the complaint application stage in criminal cases.
The “Resources for Safety and Support” main flyer and supplemental regional flyers are available on the Trial Court’s public website on Mass.gov and can be downloaded and printed as needed.
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| Last updated: | October 20, 2025 |
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