In late November, Chester County Authorities continued their ongoing roundtable series addressing domestic violence reporting within the Latinx community. Participants included representatives from the local domestic violence shelter, police department, and local faith communities. Although conversations continue in the County, noted strategies discussed by the group included updated video technology throughout abuse investigations and an increase in the number of bi-lingual or multi-lingual police liaisons and victim advocates utilized. These and future efforts will aim to ensure that Latinx victims receive the necessary support and resources, facilitating the reporting of incidents and access to assistance.

If you are currently a victim of domestic violence, contact our experienced LLF Law Firm's Family Law Team for help securing a protection from abuse ("PFA") order at (888) 535-3686 or by using our online form.

What Is a PFA Order?

A PFA is a legal order issued by a court to protect individuals from abuse by a current or former intimate partner or family member. Under Pennsylvania criminal law statutes, PFA orders seek to prevent further abuse by imposing various restrictions on the abuser that limit their contact with the victim. Some examples of these restrictions can include modified custody orders, eviction orders, and no-contact orders. No-contact orders frequently prevent abusers from approaching a victim's home or place of work. PFA orders can be temporary or final and are issued after a court hearing where both parties have had the chance to present their cases before the court.

Will a PFA Order Make Me Feel Safe?

Most people seeking a PFA order may question whether a court order will deter their abuser from contacting them, especially if they have demonstrated a lack of respect for legal authorities in the past. However, PFA orders are designed to and can provide a significant level of protection for victims.

We understand that feeling safe is a deeply personal and subjective experience, especially for victims of domestic violence. For that reason, our LLF Law Firm's Family Law Team works with each one of our clients to develop a personalized and comprehensive safety plan prior to requesting any PFA orders from the court. The more concise and personalized the boundaries are on a PFA order - the more protected a victim will feel. Because violating a PFA order carries significant legal consequences, including fines and jail time, abusers can be significantly deterred from contacting the protected person(s).

Secure Your Protection and Peace of Mind

If your safety, well-being, and peace of mind have been threatened, there are legal pathways available that can help you stand up for yourself and enforce your boundaries. Contact our thoughtful and experienced LLF Law Firm's Family Law Team today for help requesting a PFA order by calling 888-535-3686 or by using our online form.