Abusive Relationships
For purposes of the Protection From Abuse Act, the term "abuse" is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following acts between family or household members, sexual or intimate partners or persons who share biological parenthood:
- Attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury, serious bodily injury, rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault or incest with or without a deadly weapon.
- Placing another in reasonable fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
- The infliction of false imprisonment pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. ยง 2903 (relating to false imprisonment).
- Physically or sexually abusing minor children, including such terms as defined in Chapter 63 (relating to child protective services).
- Knowingly engaging in a course of conduct or repeatedly committing acts toward another person, including following the person, without proper authority, under circumstances which place the person in reasonable fear of bodily injury. The definition of this paragraph applies only to proceedings commenced under this title and is inapplicable to any criminal prosecutions commenced under Title 18 (relating to crimes and offenses).
Family or household members are protected under the Act. This includes spouses or persons who have been spouses, persons living together as spouses or who have lived together as spouses, parents and children, other persons related by consanguinity or affinity, current or former sexual or intimate partners or persons who share biological parenthood. If you feel threatened or are in an abusive relationship, it may be time to file for a Protection From Abuse Order.
We also understand that there are times when a Protection From Abuse Petition is filed against a spouse or significant other without justification. Our Matrimonial Law and Litigation attorneys have experience in both prosecuting and defending Protection From Abuse matters. To schedule a consultation at our office in Erie, Pennsylvania, call (814) 456-4000.
Family Law Department Members:
