Domestic Violence in Dauphin County

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.

Contact a skilled Family Law Team Today!

The LLF Law Firm has unparalleled experience practicing Family Law in Pennsylvania. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you and your family, contact our offices today. Our Family Law Team will go above and beyond the needs for any client and fight for what is fair.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

Menu