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April 16, 2026 Clouds | 77°F
The 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Bill S.1223 194th (Current)

An Act to empower and protect survivors of domestic violence

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1223) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to empower and protect survivors of domestic violence. The Judiciary.

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Bill Information

Presenter:
Patrick M. O'Connor
"Overhauls and improves Massachusetts’ approach to supporting and protecting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault (DVSA), especially with regard to probation and court procedures. Expands the definition of “abuse” to incorporate subtle yet pervasive forms of abuse. In addition, this legislation would create a special commission comprised of survivors, advocates, and state operatives to analyze current resources for DVSA victims, recommend ways to lift up and embolden the voices of survivors, increase protective measures, analyze income-based privileges and disadvantages for survivors who participate in probation proceedings, increase transparency of probation violations, and study the feasibility of a complaint communication tool. Creates within all court probation departments a new DVSA Probation Unit comprised of victim advocates and probation officers exclusively assigned to DVSA cases. Improves the accessibility and functionality of protective orders, increases the effectiveness of batterers’ treatment programs, and further prohibits tampering with GPS monitoring devices.
* The bill summary was created by the Primary Sponsor of the bill; no committee of the General Court certifies the accuracy of its contents.

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