WORCESTER, Mass. – State Sen. Michael Moore, D-Worcester, has filed two bills which would increase protections for domestic abuse survivors.

Under the proposals, victims would be able to secure a restraining order, even in the absence of physical harm.

“Right now, everyone looks at abuse as being a physical assault,” Moore said. “Everyone looks at that, or the placing in fear. Well, the placing in fear can be through other types of actions besides verbal. It could be through court actions, psychological abuse, so we’re trying to find ways where we can capture all the abuse that someone may go through.”

The bills have the support of Abby’s House, a nonprofit in Worcester that provides shelter and support services to battered women. Executive Director Julie Orozco said the proposed expanded protections are a necessary change.

“One of the most dangerous situations for women can come with no physical contact, and that’s stalking,” Orozco said. “As a society, I think we understand that stalking behavior can escalate to very, very dangerous situations for women and children.

“In the past, it’s also been an element that has put a women’s housing in jeopardy. So, women living in apartment with a very dangerous stalker showing up at that property, the landlord in the past might say, ‘I don’t want you here. This is an element that you’re bringing to my property, and I don’t want it.’ And so, the kinds of protections that are needed go well beyond just physical harm.”

The bills will be discussed in a hearing before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary.