Restraining Order Reform in MA

This article from the Boston Globe (by Cathy Young) outlines a Judiciary hearing in which argument were heard to reform the Abuse Prevention Law, which covers domestic violence restraining orders. "While many see the well-intentioned law as a necessary shield for abused women, there is mounting evidence that it is often used as a sword in messy domestic disputes." Young cites several examples of non-violent men who were thrown in jail for making a phone call to their child on the wrong day of the week, and similar situations. Some were even pushed to suicide after being alienated and mistreated for so long. How can this happen? Young writes, "Blame the mentality that it's best to err on the side of safety for women, even if it means trampling on the rights of some innocent men." No kidding.Source: The Boston Globe [newspaper]



Title: When the law is one-sided in domestic disputes



Author: Cathy Young



Date: May 23, 2001

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