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Massachusetts Domestic Violence Lawyers 

Each year, over 10 million Americans are affected by domestic violence. These individuals are our friends, family members and co-workers and often you won’t even know that somebody close to you is in an abusive relationship or household.

At O’Connor Family Law, supporting and protecting victims of domestic violence is our priority because we’ve been there. Members of our team have seen firsthand the pain that domestic abuse causes and even experienced it themselves. Because of that, we know how terrifying it can feel to be looking for a way out. There are so many factors to consider when trying to leave an abusive household: Where will you stay? Will you still be able to care for your children? What’s next for you and your family? These questions can be difficult in any separation, but when domestic violence is involved, finding a path to the future may feel completely overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this list of Massachusetts domestic violence resources to help you find the best organizations for support.

If you find yourself in immediate danger, please contact emergency services as appropriate.

Massachusetts Domestic Violence Resources

You can find a complete list of resources for your Massachusetts County at Mass.gov

Find a Trusted Domestic Violence Lawyer

If you expect to take legal action against your abuser in any way or will be navigating a divorce, child custody, or other family law issues, you will want to get a team of experienced domestic violence attorneys to represent your case. Our team at O’Connor Family Law has years of experience helping clients obtain restraining orders and navigate contested divorces to help you create a new path forward in life. Give us a call at 774-703-3755 if you need a domestic violence attorney for your family law case.

If You Are Afraid of Your Spouse Hearing Your Conversation

All case evaluations at O’Connor Family Law are confidential, but if you are worried about being overheard during a call with our team, you can request an incognito case evaluation by asking to speak to Liz. When a team member receives this request, they will conduct the rest of the case evaluation with yes or no questions and demographic or disguised questions as much as possible. In the event that anybody else grabs the phone during an incognito case evaluation, our team members will not discuss family law or the firm but rather will explain that our team member is calling with a consumer research survey to help a Qualtrics clients learn more about Massachusetts resident consumer habits.

If your emails are monitored, click here for more information on how to schedule an Incognito Case Evaluation with O’Connor Family Law.

Legal Resources

While these resources are not specifically tailored to individuals experiencing domestic abuse, they may be able to provide assistance to those seeking protection and legal recourse.

What Constitutes Abuse?

When some think of domestic violence and other forms of abuse, they may think only of the physical violence that we see depicted in movies or on TV. There are several categories that abuse encompasses, however.

Emotional abuse occurs when an abuser uses verbal or non-verbal tactics over a period of time that often result in negative psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Verbal abuse can be yelling or screaming at victims, and non-verbal abuse can be things like neglecting the victim, isolating them from others, or terrorizing them.

Financial abuse consists of actions that limit access to finances with the intent to control the victim. Hiding money (either physically or hiding access to bank accounts, for instance) to keep the victim from having a way out of the situation is a common form of financial abuse.

Isolation is a form of control that is considered abuse as well. Controlling what someone does, who they speak to, or where they go in order to keep them from their support systems is a form of abuse as well.

Elder abuse is the neglect of a person 65 or older and can involve physical, emotional, or financial abuse and exploitation.

Domestic sexual abuse occurs when the abuser forces or demands sexual acts of their partner against their will. Incest or rape is also included in this category to cover the abuse of children.

Stalking is also another category of domestic violence and consists of repeated harassment or threatening of an individual, causing emotional distress. This can be communicated through email or text or by showing up at a workplace or a home unwanted and refusing to stop.

Understanding Your Rights in Domestic Violence Cases

Domestic violence cases can be complex and emotionally challenging. It’s important to understand your rights and the legal options available to you. Our team of experienced Massachusetts domestic violence lawyers at O’Connor Family Law is dedicated to providing support and guidance to individuals facing domestic violence situations.

Some important aspects to consider in domestic violence cases include:

  • Protective orders and restraining orders
  • Child custody and visitation rights
  • Legal options for seeking safety and protection
  • Resources for counseling and support

It’s crucial to have a trusted and knowledgeable legal advocate by your side to help navigate the legal process and protect your rights. If you or someone you know is in need of legal assistance in a domestic violence situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to O’Connor Family Law for compassionate and effective representation.

Frequently Asked Questions: Domestic Violence Cases in Massachusetts

What constitutes domestic violence under Massachusetts state law?

In Massachusetts, domestic violence involves abuse committed against a family or household member. This includes current or former spouses, individuals who live together or used to cohabitate, parents of a shared child, or persons in a substantial dating relationship. Abuse includes physical harm, attempting physical injury, placing someone in fear of imminent serious harm, or forcing involuntary sexual relations.

What is a 209A Restraining Order in Massachusetts?

A 209A Restraining Order is a civil court order that provides protection from physical or sexual abuse by a family or household member. It can order an alleged abuser to stop abusing or contacting the victim, vacate a shared home, surrender firearms, and yield temporary custody of minor children. Violating this civil order becomes a criminal offense instantly.

What happens if someone violates a 209A Restraining Order?

Violating a 209A Restraining Order is a serious criminal offense in Massachusetts. Police must arrest the violator if they have probable cause. A conviction can result in penalties up to two and a half years in a house of correction, fines up to $5,000, mandatory participation in a certified batterers’ intervention program, and potential probation or restitution requirements.

Can domestic violence charges be dropped if the victim refuses to testify?

No, a victim cannot automatically drop criminal domestic violence charges in Massachusetts. Once police make an arrest, the prosecution belongs to the Commonwealth. Prosecutors may proceed using independent evidence, such as 911 calls, officer testimony, photographs, or medical records, even if the victim asserts fifth amendment rights or declines to participate in the trial process.

Are police required to make an arrest for domestic violence calls?

Massachusetts law enforces a preferred arrest policy for domestic abuse incidents. If responding police officers have probable cause to believe that a felony or misdemeanor involving domestic violence was committed, or that a restraining order was violated, arresting the primary aggressor is the strongly preferred course of action rather than attempting informal mediation between the parties.

What is the statutory dangerousness hearing under Chapter 276, Section 58A?

Under Section 58A, prosecutors can request a dangerousness hearing to hold a defendant without bail for up to 120 days. The court evaluates whether release conditions can reasonably assure community safety. Factors considered include the nature of the alleged violence, firearm involvement, prior criminal record, history of restraining orders, and potential threats to the victim.

What penalties do individuals face for a first-time domestic assault conviction?

A first-time conviction for assault or assault and battery on a family or household member carries significant penalties. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, Section 13M, offenders face up to two and a half years in a house of correction, fines up to $5,000, and a mandatory completion of a comprehensive 40-week certified certified batterer intervention program.

How does a domestic violence charge impact firearm ownership rights?

A conviction for domestic assault or the issuance of an active 209A restraining order results in the immediate loss of firearm rights. Under Massachusetts and federal law, individuals prohibited by restraining orders or convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors must surrender all firearms, ammunition, and License to Carry (LTC) permits to local law enforcement immediately upon court notification.

How do domestic violence charges affect child custody and visitation matters?

Massachusetts probate and family courts prioritize child safety when evaluating custody disputes. Under state law, a proven pattern or serious incident of domestic violence creates a rebuttable presumption that awarding sole or joint custody to the abusive parent is not in the child’s best interest. Supervised visitation or complete suspension of visitation rights may be ordered.

What is a Motion in Limine in a domestic violence trial?

A Motion in Limine is a preliminary legal request filed before trial asking the judge to rule on the admissibility of specific evidence. In domestic violence cases, defense counsel or prosecutors use these motions to include or exclude prior bad acts, hearsay statements, 911 audio recordings, character evidence, or medical reports before the jury hears the case.

Can a domestic violence arrest impact employment or professional licenses?

Yes, a domestic violence arrest or conviction creates a public record that heavily impacts career prospects and professional licenses. Many licensing boards in Massachusetts, including those for nursing, teaching, real estate, and law, require self-reporting of criminal charges. Employers routinely conduct background checks, and convictions often trigger disciplinary reviews, license suspensions, or job termination.

What defenses exist against false domestic violence accusations in court?

Defense strategies often center on lack of evidence, self-defense, defense of others, or false allegations arising from ongoing divorce or custody disputes. An experienced defense attorney investigates inconsistency in witness statements, analyzes digital communication records, gathers physical evidence, and challenges the credibility of prosecution witnesses to establish reasonable doubt or demonstrate fabricated claims during court proceedings.

Last Updated: October 2026

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