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DOMESTIC VIOLENCEIn Pennsylvania there is a statute called the Protection from Abuse Act which allows victims of domestic violence to obtain protective orders. You have the right to file a petition for protection from abuse on behalf of yourself and on behalf of your minor children if your spouse, partner or anyone you live with abuses you or your children. Abuse is defined as "attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury, rape, spousal sexual assault or involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with or without a deadly weapon." Abuse is also defined as "placing another in reasonable fear of imminent serious bodily injury." Other actions are grounds for a protective order.
A protective order could exclude an abuser from the common residence, prohibit further abuse, and award temporary custody and other relief.
In order to obtain a Protection from Abuse Order, you must file a petition with the Court, preferably promptly after the incident of abuse. Susquehanna Valley Women in Transition (http://www.svwit.org) offers free help with filing a Petition for Protection from Abuse (PFA). They also can help with safety planning, shelter, and counseling. Please call SVWIT if you need such help. (Our office could file your Petition for Protection from Abuse, however, our standard rates would apply.)
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