In Massachusetts restraining orders are referred to as 209a protective orders. The goal of this court order to offer victims of abuse - -i.e., domestic, physical, or sexual- - with some sort of legal protection. Here, the alleged abuser could face criminal or financial penalties for the violation of a 209a protective order. In order to obtain a 209aProtective order, the victim must present his or her case before a Judge in either a local District Court, Probate and Family Court, Boston Municipal Court, or Superior Court.
