Notice is hereby given regarding the Commonwealth’s stance on harassment. Look, this isn’t just paperwork – it’s about keeping people safe from others who won’t leave them alone.
The Basics
Let’s be clear: if someone’s making your life miserable, Massachusetts has your back. The law says you’ve got options, and here’s what you need to know.
Civil Harassment Orders: What You’re Looking At
Think someone won’t stop bothering you? Here’s the deal – if they’ve done it three times, or even once if it was bad enough to make you fear for your safety, you can ask a judge to make them stop. Simple as that. The court calls it a “Harassment Prevention Order” (HPO), but basically, it’s a legal way of saying “back off.”
Stalking: The Serious Stuff
Real talk – Massachusetts doesn’t mess around with stalkers. If someone’s following you around or harassing you and making you scared for your life, that’s a felony. They could end up behind bars for 5 years. No joke.
Furthermore, according to Chapter 265, Section 43A of the Massachusetts General Laws:
If someone’s deliberately trying to mess with your head through repeated harassment (lawyers call it “criminal harassment”), they’re looking at jail time. The Commonwealth takes this seriously – up to 2.5 years seriously.
Workplace Issues: What Your Boss Needs to Know
Now, about work – nobody should have to deal with harassment on the job. Period. The law says employers need to handle this stuff. If someone’s making unwanted advances or creating a hostile environment, you’ve got 300 days to file a complaint with the state commission (MCAD).
Wherefore, victims of harassment may seek relief through:
- Your local courthouse (they’ve got the forms for protection orders)
- Police (when things get scary)
In witness whereof, this document serves to inform all persons that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment in all its forms, be it stalking, workplace harassment, or otherwise as defined herein.
Bottom line? You don’t have to put up with harassment. The law’s on your side, and there are people ready to help. Just reach out.
