Dating abuse and intimate partner violence are serious issues in Pennsylvania. The state has taken several measures to protect victims of abuse, but it can be hard to know which type of protection order you should get—especially for young people and college students, who make up a large number of victims. Many victims are unaware that they can take legal action to protect themselves from their abusers.
At the LLF Law Firm, we help victims of domestic and intimate partner violence seek the legal protection they need. If you have questions about a Pennsylvania protection order or need help filing for one, call our Family Law Team at 888-535-3686 or send us your information via our confidential contact form.
What Is Intimate Partner Violence?
Intimate partner violence is abuse or violence perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It's a form of domestic violence. The perpetrator and the victim have a romantic or intimate relationship and may be dating or living together.
According to DomesticShelters.org, the most common age range for intimate partner abuse victims is 18-24. It's unfortunately very frequent on college campuses. What's worse is that many young people in this age range don't recognize the signs of dating abuse—57% say identifying intimate partner abuse is difficult. When they do recognize it, they often don't know who to turn to. College students are usually living away from their parents for the first time, which can make them feel isolated.
Many college students are also having their first relationships or first sexual experiences. When they encounter violence or abuse in these contexts, it can leave a lasting impact on them.
Pennsylvania's Domestic Violence Protections
In Pennsylvania, victims of domestic violence can seek protection from their abusers. The primary way to protect yourself is by filing for a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order. This civil protection order requires the perpetrator to stay away from the victim and refrain from contacting them. Even if the perpetrator and victim are in a public place, the perpetrator must leave or risk violating the protection order. If the perpetrator doesn't follow the rules in the PFA, they could be arrested.
Another method of protection is Pennsylvania's Sexual Violence Protection Order (SVPO). The victim can get an SVPO if they were sexually assaulted. The perpetrator and the victim don't need to be in a relationship for the victim to file for SVPO. A PFA, on the other hand, requires the victim to have a domestic relationship with the accused.
Our Family Law Team Can Help
The Family Law Team at the LLF Law Firm can help you determine which type of protection order is best suited for your situation. We can also help you file for one and represent you at the hearing that comes after you file for a protection order.
Call today at 888-535-3686 or send us a message on our contact form to schedule a consultation with our Family Law Team.
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