A recent report from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts highlights a concerning trend for those who experience domestic violence in Pennsylvania. The study shows that there has been a substantial increase in the number of Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders issued statewide--a 3 percent increase in new PFAs. York County, in particular, has seen a notable share of these filings, accounting for 4 percent of all new PFAs in Pennsylvania—ranking just behind the major urban centers of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Despite the prolific number of PFAs being filed, obtaining legal protection from an abuser is easier said than done. The best way to secure a PFA in Pennsylvania (in York County and elsewhere) is with the help of the LLF Law Firm's Family Law Team. To schedule an appointment, call us at 888-535-3686 or use our online contact form.
What Is a PFA?
A PFA is a civil order in Pennsylvania intended to protect domestic violence victims from further abuse, harassment, or threats of violence. Its purpose is to provide immediate protection from those in danger, and it can remain in effect even if criminal charges are never filed against the abuser.
How a PFA Can Protect You
Once a PFA is in place, the state moves to provide strong legal protections for you (and/or your children) against a domestic abuser. Your abuser can be prohibited from contacting you in any way or even coming within a certain physical distance of you. The PFA can keep the abuser from returning home, and if necessary, it can temporarily restrict their custody or visitation rights pending a future custody hearing. The abuser may also be required to surrender any firearms. All of this occurs without your having to prove criminal wrongdoing—PFAs are civil orders, and the standard of proof is significantly lower than in criminal court.
York County's 4% share of all new PFAs statewide highlights how widely this legal tool is being utilized in the region. However, not all PFAs are filed with pure intentions. They can sometimes be used unfairly as a leverage tool in custody disputes or other relationship conflicts, or simply to wreak havoc on someone's life out of spite. It's worth noting that if you deliberately make false accusations in a PFA, you could face not only penalties in Family Court, but also potentially criminal charges.
How We Can Help
If you are suffering from domestic violence and need a PFA to protect you, you don't have to face this experience alone. The Family Law Team at the LLF Law Firm understands the high stakes involved, and we bring many years of experience to help Pennsylvania individuals receive the protection they need. Call the LLF Law Firm Team today at 888-535-3686 or use our online contact form.
Comments
There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.
Leave a Comment
Comments have been disabled.