On February 9, 2010, Governor Deval Patrick signed into law Senate Bill 2212, An Act Relative to Harassment Prevention Orders (“Act”), declaring that victims of stalking, harassment, and sexual assault who were not protected under the current restraining order law, M.G.L. 209A, would finally have much-needed protection from their perpetrators. Law enforcement and victim advocates believe that the Act will enhance public safety by creating a legal option to interrupt intimidation and harassment and extending critical protection to victims of harassment outside of the domestic setting.