What may have started as a fairytale romance doesn't always have a happy ending. Unfortunately, these relationships can lead to devastating domestic violence and abuse, whether physical, mental, or emotional. Domestic violence is a cycle; it will repeat and repeat. You must break the pattern. You'll need a Protection From Abuse Order (PFA), which is Pennsylvania's version of a restraining order.  

An experienced lawyer can make sure your PFA is filed correctly, which will help to keep you safe. The LLF Law Firm Family Law Team represents victims of domestic abuse throughout Pennsylvania and helps many of them get the PFA they need. Contact us today online or at (888) 535-3686 to take the next steps! 

How it Starts 

You met, you dated, and you fell in love. This is the honeymoon phase of the relationship. Your partner created a safe space for you and made you feel like you were their entire world. Often, this is accompanied by declarations of love or by telling you that they can't live without you, etc. They know just the right words to say to you to make you appreciate them and fall head over heels in love. But they may also try to isolate you from your friends, family, neighbors, and other loved ones. They may try to convince you that only they truly love you, a manipulative strategy designed to isolate you from others and make you rely solely on them. 

Once the Honeymoon Ends 

The honeymoon phase is just that: a phase. Once it ends, tension and strain enter the relationship. This can come in the form of communication problems and flaring tempers. You may also start changing your own behavior to avoid your partner's anger. Your partner might start using mind games and manipulation or blaming you for things that are out of your control. Or they might start acting extremely jealous, questioning every move you make, every person you talk to, every errand you run. There's a line between caring about you and controlling you. Crossing it leads to domestic violence. 

Tension Boils Over 

After the tension-building phase comes the explosive phase. This is where the actual abuse comes out. Again, that can be physical, mental, or emotional. This is never your fault. But you need to get out before it escalates. Your abuser will try to go back to the honeymoon phase and convince you that they're the person you fell in love with and that the abuse will never happen again. Don't believe them! It's a cycle; it will repeat. Seek a Protection From Abuse Order today!  

The LLF Law Firm Family Law Team is ready to help you. Call us today at (888) 535-3686 or contact us here to get the help you need.