Restraining orders: Now with more umph!

By Anne Baker

http://www.weeklydig.com/%5Bcatpath%5D/200909/restraining-orders-now-more-umph

Given the proliferation of unrequited creepos in the news lately, it’s fitting that lawmakers chose to revisit stalking legislation. Currently, stalking victims can only file criminal complaints against a family member, roommate, current/former spouse or someone with whom they’ve had a “substantial dating relationship” (who knows how lawmakers define that mouthful). Legislation introduced by Sen. Harriette Chandler, D-Worcester, would allow all sexual assault or harassment victims to file a restraining order.

Rep. Cory Atkins, D-Concord, championed the bill after an informational forum last week, claiming she’s worked to pass this legislation for the past decade, but always meets resistance from those who worry it could limit civil liberties and ease exploitation (e.g. feuding neighbors taking out orders on one another), or think current law offers enough protection. “It obviously doesn’t,” Atkins said. “We had to make a concerted effort to get law enforcement people behind it.” No oppositional testimony was submitted to the Judiciary Committee this session.

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