Find out if you’re eligible to request a harassment prevention order

If you’re being abused or harassed, you may be able to request a harassment prevention order.

When can I ask for a harassment prevention order?

Unlike an abuse prevention order  (a “209A Order”), harassment prevention orders are not limited to specific types of relationships. 

You can ask for a Harassment Prevention Order (a "258E Order”) from a judge if you’re suffering from harassment because:

• Someone has forced, threatened, or pressured you to have sex with them.

Or

• Someone has committed 1 of these crimes against you at least once:
  • Indecent assault and battery
  • Rape
  • Statutory rape
  • Assault with intent to rape
  • Enticement of a child
  • Distribution of nude or sexual images
  • Drugging for sexual intercourse

Or

• Someone has stalked you.

Or

Someone has committed 3 or more acts that were:

• Willful and malicious. This means it was done on purpose and was done for cruelty, hostility or revenge.
• Aimed at you.
• Were intended to cause you fear, intimidation, abuse or damage to property. “Abuse” means attempting to cause or causing physical harm to another or placing another in fear of imminent serious physical harm.

And

• Did in fact cause you fear, intimidation, abuse or damage to property.

Note: The Probate and Family Court does not have the power to issue Harassment Prevention Orders.