According to a recent report, over 10 million people are abused annually, while 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men, respectively, will be victims of domestic violence in their lifetime. Worse, in a recent year, 119 victims lost their lives to DV incidents in Pennsylvania.
With numbers like that, anyone involved in domestic violence situations needs all the help they can get. Unfortunately, many victims struggle with taking the necessary steps required to escape their situation.
This is why if you’re involved in an abusive situation involving an intimate partner in Pittsburgh, Bethel Park, Monroeville, or any other city in Allegheny County, you need experienced domestic violence attorneys to provide legal representation and help you. The LLF Law Firm’s Family Law Team has helped many get relief from DV circumstances.
Call us at 888-535-3686 or complete this form to speak to the LLF Family Law Team.
Understanding Domestic Violence in Allegheny County, PA
Domestic violence transcends just physical harm or abuse by an intimate partner or a household member. There are several other types of abuse, including:
- Sexual abuse or violence such as rape
- Coercive or controlling actions by the abuser
- Psychological or emotional abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Economic or financial abuse, such as withholding financial support
- Digital or online abuse, such as cyberbullying, tracking, or monitoring someone through their connected devices.
- Stalking and/or harassment
In essence, individuals who threaten or carry out actual actions aimed at causing harm to their partner or household member, or putting them in a state of fear, are considered abusers and should be held responsible for their actions.
Steps to Take for DV Victims in Allegheny County, PA
Victims of domestic abuse can take necessary steps to protect themselves and other vulnerable household members, such as their children. These steps include:
- Calling 911 or contacting law enforcement
- Reporting the domestic violence incident
- Putting as much distance between themselves and the abuser as quickly as possible
- Seeking medical attention if necessary
- Filing a Protection From Abuse order at the family court
- Speaking with an experienced lawyer to get necessary assistance
Where necessary, victims can also leave the scene and get to a shelter where they will be safe before contacting law enforcement. Or, they can call the county’s domestic violence hotlines for help.
How to File for a PFA Order in Allegheny County, PA
Speaking of protection, victims of domestic violence and abuse can seek help from the courts in the form of a Protection From Abuse Order.
Domestic violence victims in Allegheny County can file a petition for a PFA order at the Family Court located at 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM on weekdays. They can also call 412.350.2322 if they need information.
The court will typically grant an ex parte Temporary PFA order (meaning without a hearing on the defendant’s side) to immediately protect the plaintiff and other household members, including the children.
The court may also issue Emergency PFAs outside of regular court hours if you need urgent protection. Call local law enforcement and request to speak with the magisterial district judge on call.
Most times, simply calling the police to report a domestic violence situation is enough to start the Emergency PFA process, as they can handle it on your behalf. Emergency PFAs are only valid until regular court hours commence, during which you can file a petition for a Temporary PFA.
Once the Temporary PFA is granted, the Family Court will set a new date for the final PFA Order hearing. This hearing, which takes place within 10 days of granting the Temporary PFA Order, allows the defendant to make their case.
To either dismiss or grant a final PFA order, the court requires a burden of proof that’s “beyond a reasonable doubt”. After hearing from both parties, the court will then decide whether to grant the final PFA Order or dismiss the case.
Penalties for Domestic Violence Actions
Pennsylvania’s laws are designed to protect the vulnerable and punish the abuser. Therefore, anyone who is accused of carrying out domestic violence against others is at risk of facing some serious consequences, even if there are no criminal charges. These include:
- Possible loss of custody of the children
- Loss of accommodation
- Divorce
- Higher child support and alimony payments
- Possible job loss
- Withdrawal or restriction of certain civil liberties, such as carrying firearms
- Loss of vital personal relationships
- Reputational damage
All these are likely to cause serious personal problems and may increase the risk of financial and personal ruin.
Violating PFA Orders and Their Implications
Upon issuance and notification of a protection order, the defendant is expected to comply immediately with all the terms of the PFA order. This applies to all types of PFA orders.
Non-compliance is deemed indirect criminal contempt and may attract serious penalties, including monetary fines of up to $1,000, six-month supervised probation, and/or a six-month jail sentence.
Appealing PFA Orders in Allegheny County
Depending on the circumstances, final protection orders can be appealed by the defendant.
This must be done within 30 days of the court granting the final PFA and must be on the grounds of incorrect law interpretation by the court, new evidence, incorrect information provided to the judge, and/or error in law or fact.
Contact a DV Lawyer in Allegheny County, PA
The outcome of a domestic violence case often depends on many factors. Whether your divorce case is contested or uncontested, you still deserve a fair outcome.
The Family Law Team at the LLF Law Firm has helped Allegheny County residents involved in domestic violence proceedings get through the process and emerge with satisfactory results. Let’s help you obtain a fair and reasonable conclusion from your DV case.
Call the LLF Family Law Team at 888-535-3686 or complete this form to discuss your case.