In Pennsylvania, the danger of domestic violence is well understood. The legal system prioritizes the protection of victims through initiatives such as the Protection from Abuse Order (PFA). A PFA is a restraining order granted to a person who alleges they are a victim of domestic violence perpetrated by a member of their family or household, an intimate partner, or a person with whom they have a child. The police may arrest the accused abuser for violating the PFA.

Emergency PFA orders are temporary. A hearing must be held for an emergency PFA to become permanent.

If you or a loved one is a victim of domestic violence, the LLF Law Firm can help. Your safety and peace of mind are our priority. We can develop a comprehensive legal protection strategy, draft and submit legal documents on your behalf, and represent you in court. To discuss your case, contact the experienced attorneys of the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team at 888-535-3686 or complete an online consultation form.

Amendments to Alina's Law Limit Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence

In 2017, Alina Sheykhey, a 20-year-old student at the University of Pittsburgh, was stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend Matthew Darby within days of obtaining a PFA against him. Darby later pleaded guilty to first-degree murder.

After their daughter's death, Sheykhey's parents founded a domestic violence nonprofit, Alina's Light, and began advocating for Alina's Law. This legislation would have allowed a judge to order electronic monitoring for PFA defendants who are believed to be of high risk to the victim and likely to violate the protective order.

Alina's Law has been pending in the Pennsylvania General Assembly for years. Recently, the bill was referred to the House Judiciary Committee. Amendments made in the committee removed the language that allowed electronic monitoring. Instead, the new amended version of the bill creates a grant program for district attorneys to improve their domestic violence prevention programs.

The proposed changes disappointed Alina's Light. The nonprofit believes the grant program fails to address the life-saving needs of domestic violence victims.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, you cannot depend on the General Assembly to protect you. To take immediate steps to protect yourself and your future, contact the LLF Law Firm for help.

It's Time to Contact the LLF Law Firm

Domestic violence often leaves victims hurt, isolated, and uncertain about the future. You don't have to take the next steps alone. The experienced attorneys of the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team can fight on your side.

Let the LLF Law Firm navigate the Pennsylvania legal system on your behalf so that you and your loved ones can concentrate on healing and planning a safe and healthy future.

To partner with the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team, call our offices at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.