Centre County takes domestic violence seriously, recognizing the issue as a serious crime that affects Centre residents of all ages, races, genders, and income levels. In 2011, Centre County passed legislation making the October Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During that month, county-wide events for the community are hosted by County Commissioners, domestic violence non-profit organizations, and more.
The Centre County court system works hard to protect victims of domestic violence through any legal means possible. But, while the Centre County community can offer awareness and support to victims of domestic violence, they can't take that first step – a victim asking for help. At the LLF Law Firm, our domestic violence attorneys are here to help you take those first steps. Our Family Law Team can walk you through your legal options and guide you to additional resources for support. Take that first step today by calling the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or contacting us online.
What is Domestic Violence
Domestic violence comprises various different behaviors, not just the type of domestic violence we see on TV. Domestic violence in Centre County is defined by the Pennsylvania Protection from Abuse Act. In Centre County, domestic violence is abuse that is inflicted upon you or a child in your home who is a:
- Family member
- Parent
- Household member
- Spouse
- Intimate partner
Under the Protection from Abuse Act, actions that are considered as domestic violence include:
- Intentionally or recklessly causing bodily harm
- False imprisonment
- Making threats that make a person fear for their physical safety
- Sexual abuse
- Child abuse
- Repeated actions or patterns of behavior that instill fear of bodily harm
While the law focuses on the physical aspects of domestic abuse, there are other types of domestic abuse. While physical abuse might be the most visible, other forms of domestic violence, such as emotional or psychological abuse, financial abuse, or cruelty to animals to intimidate or retaliate against a victim, are equally serious.
If you're suffering at the hands of someone in your home and you aren't sure if it is considered domestic violence, call the LLF Law Firm. Our attorneys are here to talk to you about whether your case has a strong legal basis and what legal options are available in your case. At the LLF Law Firm, our goal is to get you to safety. During your first consultation with an LLF Law Firm domestic violence attorney, we will work with you to make a plan to protect you from your abuser by any means necessary.
Protection from Abuse (PFA) Orders in Centre County
Taking action against your abuser can be the most difficult decision of your life. Often, your abuser is someone you care about or, at one point, cared about deeply. This person also likely has their own traumatic history, and you may feel bad taking any action against them, but you need to put yourself first. At the LLF Law Firm, we know it's hard to extract yourself, especially if your abuser is providing financial support or housing to you and your child, but these barriers can be overcome. We often recommend filing for a protection from abuse (PFA) order in Centre County.
How Do I File for a Protection from Abuse Order in Centre County?
Your LLF Law Firm attorney will be with you through every step of the PFA order process. To file a request for a PFA order, you and your LLF Law Firm attorney will go to the Centre County Court Administrator's Office in the Centre County Courthouse. The Courthouse is located at 102 S. Allegheny St., in Bellefonte. At the Courthouse, you will be provided with a Petition for Protection from Abuse Form, the Sheriff's information sheet, and a few other documents. Your LLF Law Firm attorney will tell you what information you need to have to complete these forms.
If you are the parent of a minor child who you believe or know is a victim of domestic violence, you have the authority to file a PFA order request on their behalf. When you file for a PFA order on behalf of your child, Centre County Children & Youth Services will be contacted as well. Your LLF Law Firm attorney can assist you in making that call and corresponding appropriately with the office to protect your child and your rights as their parent.
I've Filed for a Protection from Abuse Order; Now What?
The Court will generally start by issuing a temporary PFA. These last only a matter of days until a court hearing can be scheduled where both you and your abuser will present their case. Your LLF Law Firm attorney will represent you at the hearing. The judge will decide whether to issue a final PFA order at the hearing. A final PFA order can last up to three years; the judge will decide the appropriate length of time. In a situation where your abuser violates the PFA order, the judge can extend the final PFA order for another three years.
If your abuser owns firearms, you can, in your PFA order request, ask that the Sherriff's Office confiscate your abuser's firearms. If your abuser violates the PFA order, immediately contact law enforcement to ensure your safety and documentation of the event. If you feel your safety is threatened, you can call 911. Otherwise, you can call your LLF Law Firm attorney, who will notify law enforcement through non-emergency means. This can involve you going to the police station to make a report.
Get Help from a Centre County Domestic Violence Attorney Today
If you're a victim of domestic violence in Centre County, you don't need to suffer alone. The domestic violence attorneys at the LLF Law Firm will make your safety and well-being our top priority. We know this is a scary time, but we are here to support you in exploring and pursuing any legal option available to you. Call the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us using our online form.
