In 2023, 119 victims lost their lives to domestic violence in Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Dauphin County takes domestic violence very seriously and, therefore, makes the process for obtaining a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order straightforward. The goal is to get victims of domestic abuse the protection and safety they need.
If you're involved in a PFA matter in Dauphin County—whether as the victim or the accused—the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team can stand by your side. We assist with domestic violence and PFA cases throughout Pennsylvania and are ready to help you. Call 888-535-3686 or send us your information via our contact form, and a member of our team will reach out to you.
Examples of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is committing an abuse act against a family or household member, sexual or intimate partner, or a person you have a child with. Pennsylvania law lists several examples of domestic violence, saying it includes but isn't limited to:
- Deliberately or recklessly causing bodily harm (such as assault or rape)
- False imprisonment
- Placing someone in reasonable fear for their personal safety
- Sexual abuse and child abuse
- Patterns of behavior that place someone in reasonable fear of bodily harm
Domestic violence can be physical acts like kicking, punching, or shoving, but it can also take the form of stalking or harassment.
Protections for Domestic Violence Victims
In some cases, a domestic violence perpetrator can be arrested, but only if the act they commit is a potential criminal offense. For most victims, the easiest way to get protection is with a PFA. PFAs are civil court orders that legally protect victims of domestic abuse. The perpetrator listed in a PFA must not come within the victim's vicinity and cannot contact them. If they do, they can be arrested.
Filing a PFA in Dauphin County
To obtain a PFA, you can go to the Dauphin County Victim Witness Program, located in the County Human Services Building next to the courthouse (25 S. Front Street, 7th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101). This free service can help you file for a temporary PFA. A judge has to approve it before it takes effect, and the perpetrator is served with the order. Typically, this first PFA is temporary and only lasts until a hearing before a judge and the two parties involved.
Final PFA Hearing
The hearing usually takes place several days after the temporary PFA is approved. Both parties will be able to present their arguments at the hearing and the judge decides if the PFA becomes final or if it's dismissed.
Getting a temporary PFA is relatively simple without an attorney's help, but if you're scheduled for a PFA hearing, you should contact the LLF Law Firm's Family Law Team. We can help you defend your rights, whether you're the one who filed the PFA or the accused.
You can read more about how to get a PFA and what happens if a PFA is violated on our PFA FAQs page.
Get the Help You Need From the LLF Law Firm
We help people just like you deal with domestic violence issues and PFA cases all the time. We're ready to help you get the protection you need or defend your rights. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can begin working on your case.
Call 888-535-3686 or send us your information through our confidential contact form so we can schedule a consultation with you.