In Pennsylvania, protection from abuse matters are governed by the 1976 Protection from Abuse Act (the “Act”), the Pennsylvania Administrative Code, and the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. The Act outlines the circumstances under which a protection from abuse order can be granted, while the Pennsylvania Administrative Code requires, among other things, that each judicial district ensure that a judge or magisterial district judge is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to hear and decide emergency petitions for protection. The Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure provide procedural guidelines and sample forms to assist with the petition filing process.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, you should contact an attorney to discuss your rights under the Act. Whether you are a victim of abuse, or whether you are facing charges of abuse, an attorney should be consulted and utilized to ensure that your rights are protected and to assist you through this difficult and emotionally-challenging process.
For more information, please contact our office.
