Hingham, MA family law attorney Carmela M. Miraglia explains when a restraining order (209A) is appropriate in MA. She points out that in Massachusetts, it is appropriate to seek a restraining order, or a 209A, in cases of abuse between parties, whether between a husband and wife or within a romantic relationship. The 209A statute is very specific: there must be a fear of imminent serious bodily harm. While threats can factor into the petition, verbal threats alone are not sufficient; there must be a genuine threat of physical harm, not merely name-calling or using expletives. The person seeking the 209A must appear before a judge and demonstrate that they fear the individual who either struck them, acted overtly against them, or made a threat is likely to return and cause actual harm.