If a person has been injured or is threatened with imminent, serious bodily harm, he or she may receive legal protection by filing a Petition under the Protection From Abuse Act.  This Petition may be filed with the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of the  county in which the victim resides or before their local magistrate if immediate protection is required at night or on the weekend. The Petition, setting out the specific facts as to the injuries or the threats, may ask that temporary relief be given to the victim until the time of a full hearing. This temporary relief may be granted at the time of the presentation of the Petition without giving the alleged abuser an opportunity to respond at that time. Regardless of whether temporary relief is sought or granted, a full hearing must be held within ten (10) days from the presentation of the Petition. 

An abused person should ask for relief as quickly as possible, preferably within seventy-two (72) hours from the time of the most recent attack of violence or threat. The victim does not have to remain in the home in order to ask for the Court’s protection.

Injury or threats by family or household members or sexual or intimate partners also may constitute criminal acts. You may obtain a Protection From Abuse Order and also file a criminal complaint. If you wish to file a criminal complaint contact your local police department or visit the residing district attorney at your local magistrate's office. 

For further questions regarding Protection from Abuse (PFA's), Divorce, Custody  or other family law related issues, please contact our office at 412-823-8003 or send an email to Karen Myers