209A restraining orders can protect children at school
To learn and develop, all children need to feel safe and be safe at school. This is especially true for children who have suffered from domestic violence.
Restraining orders can provide important protection for children and their non-abusive parent at school. They can stop an abusive parent from:
- coming on school grounds, and
- into school buildings, rooms, and offices.
School officials, administrators, teachers, and other staff can make schools safer for children affected by domestic violence and their non-abusive parent. They can:
- learn about restraining orders,
- work with parents to understand how a restraining order can protect a student or the student's parent,
- make sure that they know how to follow the restraining order at school.
Call 911 if you are in danger right now.
If you are not in immediate danger, you can contact:
- SafeLink Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-877-785-2020 (24/7, in many languages)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text "START" to 88788 or chat online
See Jane Doe's list of Massachusetts domestic violence programs and court resources for safety and support.
- Ask the court clerk - many courthouses have advocates who can help you with the paperwork and come to a hearing.
- Court service centers can help with the paperwork.
- Use a guided interview on Court Forms Online.
- Find a lawyer.