Understanding the Updated Restraining Order Law in Massachusetts: Coercive Control as Grounds for a 209A Abuse Prevention Order
The legal framework in Massachusetts surrounding restraining orders has been updated to include coercive control as a valid ground for obtaining a 209A Abuse Prevention Order. This change reflects a growing recognition of the various forms of abuse that can occur within intimate relationships, beyond physical violence. Coercive control refers to a pattern of behavior that seeks to take away the victim's liberty or freedom and to strip away their sense of self.