Domestic violence is on the rise across the country. If you are someone who has been wrongly accused of domestic violence, or you are a victim of domestic violence, it is critical you have an experienced attorney on your side to ensure your safety. Please continue reading and reach out to our experienced Pennsylvania firm to learn more about domestic violence law in Pennsylvania and how we can help you. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What is the Pennsylvania Protection From Abuse Act?
The Protection from Abuse Act (PFA) is state legislation enacted to protect individuals, primarily women and children from abuse in what is known as “intimate relationships.” Abuse is defined as follows:
- False imprisonment
- Physically or sexually abusing minor children
- Intentionally or knowingly inflicting bodily injury upon another
- Putting another in reasonable fear of bodily injury
- Engaging in continuous acts against a person without proper authority, such as stalking them placing the person in reasonable fear of bodily injury
Am I protected under the PFA?
You can apply for protection under the Act if your abuser is:
- A domestic partner
- A parent
- A child
- A family member or blood relative
- A spouse or former spouse
- A boyfriend, girlfriend, partner, fiancé or someone with whom you are sexually intimate
That being said, you should understand that the act does not specifically protect those enduring mental, emotional, or verbal abuse, and it also does not cover being abused by a stranger.
How do I get a PFA?
First, you will have to submit a petition to the court requesting protection, wherein you will provide information regarding the incidents of abuse, the abuser, and the protection you are requesting. The petition contains information regarding the abuse, the abuser, and the type of protection that is being requested. Generally, it is best to hire a knowledgeable attorney who can help you through your petition hearing. We can help you do so to ensure, above all, that you are safe.
What should I do if I am wrongly accused of domestic violence in Pennsylvania?
Recently, if you have had an Order of Protection unfairly, or untruthful levied against you, you need an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney on your side, as your reputation, family, and more are at stake. We have helped many individuals wrongly accused of domestic violence fight these charges, and we are ready to do the same for you.
Contact our experienced Pennsylvania firm today
If you are someone undergoing legal issues pertaining to domestic violence, please do not hesitate to contact our knowledgeable, compassionate Pennsylvania law firm today to learn more about how we can help you. Whether you are a victim of abuse, or you have been wrongly accused of it, we are here to help.
