A judge must find that the person seeking a restraining order has shown by a preponderance of the evidence that an extension of the order is necessary to protect him or her from the likelihood of ‘abuse’ as defined in G.L. c. 209A. In Massachusetts, a restraining order is a civil order with criminal penalties. Because it is a civil order a judge must use the civil standard in issuing a restraining order. The civil standard is proof by a preponderance of the evidence. Proof by a preponderance of the evidence is a standard less than proof beyond a reasonable doubt.