Atkins a lead sponsor of harassment prevention order legislation

Concord Journal

Gov. Deval Patrick signs into law ‘An Act Relative to Harassment Prevention Orders’ last week. State Rep. Cory Atkins, D-Concord, was a lead sponsor of the bill.

Posted Feb 15, 2010 @ 02:41 PM

Boston —

State Rep. Cory Atkins, D-Concord, announced that on Feb. 9, Gov. Deval Patrick signed “An Act Relative to Harassment Prevention Orders,” which will fill an important gap in Massachusetts restraining order law and promises to provide much needed protection for victims of stalking, abuse and sexual assault.

“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 sponsor in the House. “This bill will finally remedy that problem.”

Previously Massachusetts law only afforded 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. Victims of abuse or harassment now have the right to petition for a protection order with criminal consequences regardless of the perpetrator’s relationship to the victim.“A criminally enforceable restraining order for these situations creates a legal option to interrupt intimidation and harassment and help increase safety for victims,” said Stephanie DeCandia, manager of system advocacy and policy development at the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center.

The bill’s lead sponsors, Atkins and Sen. Harriette L. Chandler, D-Worcester, credit the success to a collaborative effort by the community, and they commend the efforts of former Sen. Pam Resor of Acton, who had long been an advocate for victims’ rights.

“A large number of people from both sides of the aisle and from all different sectors came together to refine this sensitive and complex legislation,” said Atkins. “I am proud of our collaborative efforts to expand restraining order law and provide much-needed protection for victims, and I thank everyone who made this possible.” The legislation was enacted by unanimous votes in both the House and Senate last month.

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 a sensible and responsible bill to further protect citizens of the commonwealth.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/concord/town_info/government/x1328940649/Atkins-a-lead-sponsor-of-harassment-prevention-order-legislation