Craig Zotter & Associates

PFA - Protection From Abuse

Domestic violence is defined as the systematic domination of one partner by another. Experts agree that if it is ignored, instances of domestic violence are likely to increase in both frequency and severity. Although domestic violence cuts across all racial, religious, socioeconomic, and age barriers, the overwhelming majority of adult victims of domestic violence are women. Moreover, domestic violence often increases at the time of separation. Up to seventy-five percent of all domestic assaults reported to the police occur after the couple separates.

In order to prevent instances of domestic violence and bring batterers to justice, Pennsylvania adopted the PFA (Protection From Abuse) Act in 1976 to provide fast relief to victims of domestic violence and their children. Since its passage, the Act has been amended three times in order to expand the protections offered to victims of domestic violence. In its present form, Pennsylvania's Protection from Abuse Act prohibits a family or household member from causing or attempting to cause bodily injury to another family or household member, or placing another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. Thus, one Pennsylvania court recently entered a Protection From Abuse Order against a husband who had restrained his wife, punched the wall near her, and threatened to hit her. Actual physical contact was not necessary for an order to be entered demanding that the abuser stop the abuse, stop having contact with the victim, and leave the household residence.

If you are the victim of abuse from a spouse or significant other, you need immediate help. We will walk you through the process of filing the complaint and assist you through the court system. It is a fact that a spouse is at the greatest risk of bodily harm when the marriage has broken down and one or the other spouse has filed for separation and/or divorce. The statistics are frightening. We ask that if you feel you are in an abusive relationship or if you feel you are in danger do not hesitate to contact law enforcement and then contact us at 412-201-1111. One of our attorneys will help you immediately.