One option for legal protection is a Protection From Abuse Order (PFA)
A judge can issue a Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order to require an abuser to stay away from the victim. The order can last up to three years, and the court can extend it if circumstances require.
If you are experiencing abuse and want to explore this option, call SafeNet at 814-455-1774 or the crisis Hotline at 814-454-8161.
A PFA can protect you when the person responsible for the abuse is a family member, a relative by marriage, or a current or former intimate partner. The court can also extend protection to other family members, including children, when necessary.
A Protection From Abuse Order can:
- Order your abuser to stop threatening or harming you and prohibit contact at your home, work, or school
- Prohibit your abuser from harassing you or your relatives
- Require your abuser to surrender weapons used in past incidents
- Remove your abuser from your home
- Grant you temporary custody of your children
Legal assistance may be available for SafeNet clients for other situations that can result from an abusive relationship. Many clients address custody and support matters as they work to build an independent life free from abuse.
