Atkins announces passage of harassment bill

Concord Journal

“For too long advocacy groups for survivors have had to tell victims fearful for their safety that there is no legal recourse for them in Massachusetts,” said Atkins, the lead co-sponsor in the House. “This bill will finally remedy that problem.”

Posted Jan 29, 2010 @ 02:43 PM

Concord —

State Rep. Cory Atkins, D-Concord, announces the unanimous passage of H.4443, An Act Relative to Harassment Prevention Orders, which will fill a gap in Massachusetts restraining order law and promises to provide protection for victims of stalking, abuse and sexual assault.

Presently, Massachusetts law affords victims of abuse the right to petition for a civil protection order if the perpetrator was a family member, roommate, current or former spouse, or a person with whom the victim had a substantial dating relationship. Pending Gov. Patrick’s signature, victims of abuse or harassment will have the right to petition for a protection order with criminal consequences regardless of the perpetrator’s relationship to the victim.

“For too long advocacy groups for survivors have had to tell victims fearful for their safety that there is no legal recourse for them in Massachusetts,” said Atkins, the lead co-sponsor in the House. “This bill will finally remedy that problem.”

The bill’s lead sponsors, Atkins and state Sen. Harriette L. Chandler, D-Worcester, credit the success to a collaborative effort by the community, and commend the efforts of former Sen. Pam Resor and Rep. Peter Koutoujian, both of whom have long been advocates for victims’ rights and were integral to the passage of this bill.

Legislators worked closely with the law firm of Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C., district attorneys and law enforcement officials, Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, the Victims Rights Law Center, Jane Doe Inc., and criminal defense attorneys in order to reach consensus on the bill.

On Nov. 17, 2009, the Senate engrossed the bill by a roll call vote of 37-0. Yesterday after the House vote of 153-0, Atkins, Chandler and U.S. Senator-elect Scott Brown discussed the House’s unanimous passage of “An Act to Prevent Harassment” on video.