Understanding Protection From Abuse Orders

When you have been a victim of abuse, this can be a very stressful time with many uncertainties. One of the most pressing concerns is whether or not the perpetrator of your crime will seek you out again.

Fortunately, the state of Pennsylvania will issue you a civil protection order that can help keep this from happening when put in place. Called protection from abuse orders, learn some information about why they are necessary, what they are, and what they can do.

How Common Is Abuse?

Abuse statistics are staggering. Abuse is gender-neutral, meaning victims or abusers can be both male and female. However, women are more likely to suffer severe violence than men.

More than 10 million people suffer some form of domestic abuse across the country each year. Domestic violence hotlines across the country in 2020 received more than 21,000 calls per day, which equates to an average of 15 calls per minute.

While these are national numbers, Pennsylvania is not exempt. More than 37% of women and 30% of men in the state experienced violence or stalking by an intimate partner. 

Not everyone makes it out of a domestic violence confrontation alive. In 2020 in Pennsylvania, 109 victims and 32 perpetrators were killed during domestic violence episodes. The number of fatalities in Pennsylvania increases to more than 1,500 victims and perpetrators when you consider the numbers in the last decade.

What Are Protection From Abuse Orders (PFA)?

A protection from abuse order is a legal document the court issues that tells the perpetrator of your crime that they will face severe consequences if your abuse does not stop. To be considered domestic violence, a family or household member must perpetuate the abuse against you. You may take a protection from abuse order out against:

• Family members by blood, marriage, or guardianship
• Household members
• Intimate partners (including current or former)

You petition the court for protection from abuse orders for abusers. If your abuser is not a family member or intimate partner, you will need a Sexual Violence Protection Order (SVPO). 

If you have children under 18 and their non-family member abuser is over 18, you would also not use a PFA. You will need to assist them in securing a Protection from Intimidation Order (PFIO), which would afford them the same level of protection the PFA offers.

Your safety should always be first and foremost. If you are at risk of danger, call 911 for protection. The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1800-799-SAFE (7233) can assist you with a wealth of information and direction to services.

What Does a PFA Include?

Each case is unique, and the court will offer you protections based on your needs. Some of the protections ordered may include:

• For you not to be stalked, harassed, abused, threatened, or any attempts to be made to threaten or harm you or your children For the removal of the abuser from your home and allowing you to remain
• For the abuser to financially support you and your children
• For you to receive temporary custody 
• For the abuser to refrain from being in contact with your or your children at work, home, or school
• For your abuser to hand over their firearms and ammunition to law enforcement

When requesting a protection from abuse order, one of the hardest things is knowing what to ask the court to include in their order. Fortunately, Kalasnik Law Office LLC has a wealth of knowledge and experience handling domestic violence cases. We can advise you on what protections to petition the court for and assist you in finding services you may need. Give us a call.