CHAPTER 4: PROTECTION ORDERS€¦ · CHAPTER 4: PROTECTION ORDERS ... Process Flowchart –...

4–PROTECTIONORDERS 1

CHAPTER4:PROTECTIONORDERS

Summary...............................................................................................................................5

ProtectionFromAbuseAct....................................................................................................6

PurposeandConstitutionality...............................................................................................6

PFAProcedure.......................................................................................................................6CourtstoProvideFormsandClericalAssistance..............................................................6PlaintiffFilingFeesProhibited..........................................................................................7AssessmentofFeesandCostsAgainstDefendant...........................................................7TheProtectionFromAbuseDatabase(PFAD)..................................................................7

ThreeDifferentTypesofPFAOrders....................................................................................8

EmergencyPFAProceedingsbyaMagisterialDistrictJudge................................................8JurisdictionandVenue.....................................................................................................9CommencementofProceedings....................................................................................10PartiesCoveredbythePFAAct......................................................................................10MeaningofFamilyorHouseholdMember.....................................................................11ExParteHearingtobeHeldasSoonasPossibleAfterPetitionFiled.............................13LimitedReliefAvailableinEmergencyPFA.....................................................................13DurationofOrder...........................................................................................................15IssueFindings,OrdersandEnableCourtandPlaintifftoGoForward...........................15ServiceofEmergencyPFAOrders..................................................................................16

WhatConstitutesAbuseUnderthePFAAct?.....................................................................17ActualPhysicalInjuryNotRequired;ReasonableFearIsAdequate...............................18Verbal/WrittenThreatsSufficient..................................................................................19ChildAbusePFAActDefinitionisBroad.........................................................................20

ViolationofaProtectionOrderisaCriminalMatter..........................................................22IndirectCriminalContempt............................................................................................22ArrestisMandatoryWhenDefendantViolatesNon-MonetaryProvisions...................22SeizureofWeaponsUsedorThreatenedtobeUsed.....................................................22Defendant,NotPlaintiff,CanBeArrestedandHeldInContemptforViolatingNo-ContactTermsofPFA...................................................................................................................23Penalties.........................................................................................................................23BailConditionsAddressingProtectionofVictimandCommunity.................................24

StatutorySafetyConsiderationsinPFAProceedings..........................................................25

2 4–PROTECTIONORDERS

PFACourtProtectionofLocation,TelephoneNumber..................................................25AddressConfidentialityProgram....................................................................................25DomesticViolenceAdvocatePrivilegeandCourtAccompaniment...............................26FederalRestrictionsonElectronicDisclosureofVictimInformation.............................26

TheProtectionofVictimsofSexualViolenceorIntimidationAct.........................................26

SexualViolenceProtectionOrders......................................................................................27

ProtectionFromIntimidation.............................................................................................27

PSVIActProcedures............................................................................................................28Jurisdiction,Venue,ReliefAvailable...............................................................................28AccompanimentbyaSexualAssaultCounselor.............................................................28ReliefAvailable...............................................................................................................29

EmergencyPSVIProceedingsbyaMagisterialDistrictJudge.............................................29TemporaryPSVIProceedings..........................................................................................31FinalPSVIProceedings....................................................................................................32

ViolationofaPSVIOrder.....................................................................................................32

VictimProtectionsAvailableRegardlessofImmigrationStatus............................................32

PlanningforLitigantswithLimitedEnglishProficiency(LEP)..............................................33

PennsylvaniaLawsAboutInterpreters...............................................................................34RequestingCertifiedInterpreters...................................................................................34Family,FriendsandOthersareUnacceptableInterpreters...........................................35BilingualProtectionOrderForms...................................................................................35TelephonicInterpretersMayBeUsed............................................................................36CostsofInterpreterServices..........................................................................................36

Tools

ProSePracticeTools............................................................................................................36

ImportanceofJudicial/CourtStaffDemeanor......................................................................37

AbusiveBehaviorsChecklist.................................................................................................39

ProtectionFromAbuseOrderBenchcard.............................................................................41

http://pubs.pcadv.net/palegal/BNCD_PFAbenchcard2006_04082015.pdf.......................41


PetitionforEmergencyReliefFromAbuse(PFAPetition)–English......................................43

http://www.pacourts.us/assets/files/setting-3207/file-2809.pdf?cb=e56e79..................43

PetitionforEmergencyReliefFromAbuse(PFAPetition)–Spanish.....................................44

http://www.pacourts.us/assets/files/setting-3207/file-3825.pdf?cb=44ff0e....................44

ProtectionFromSexualViolenceandIntimidationActBenchcard........................................45

http://www.pcadv.org/Resources/BNCD_SVPO_benchcard_03262015b.pdf...................45

ProcessFlowchart–ProtectionFromAbuseorProtectionFromSexualViolenceandIntimidation..................................................................................................................47

http://www.pcadv.org/Resources/PSVIprocess_flochrt_07223015.pdf............................47

PetitionforEmergencyReliefFromSexualViolenceorIntimidation-English......................49

http://www.pacourts.us/assets/files/setting-4276/file-4531.pdf?cb=78d4d1..................49

PetitionforEmergencyReliefFromSexualViolenceorIntimidation–Spanish.....................50

http://www.pacourts.us/assets/files/setting-4276/file-4532.pdf?cb=cca07c...................50

TheProtectionFromAbuseAct,23Pa.C.S.§6101etseq.Annotated..................................51

http://pubs.pcadv.net/palegal/PFAActAnnot_LATEST.pdf.................................................51


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SummaryPennsylvania’sProtectionFromAbuse(PFA)ActandtheProtectionFromSexualViolenceandIntimidation (PSVI) Act authorize civil protection orders for victims of domestic violence andsexualassault.Protectionorderscanalsobepartofbailconditions.1Criminalprotectionordersprotectwitnessesandvictimsofcrime.2ThischapterdiscussesPFAandPSVIprotectionorders.

Separation is themost dangerous time for a domestic violence victim. Studies indicate thatwhen a woman leaves her abuser her risk of serious violence or death at the hands of theabuserincreasesdramatically.3Domesticandsexualviolence,datingviolenceandintimidationcanencompassa rangeofbehaviorsbyanabuserover timethat frightenandharmvictims.4Civilprotectionsdonotrequirethebehaviortorisetothelevelofacrimebeforevictimsandtheirfamiliescanbeprotected.

ThePFAAct,23Pa.C.S.§§6101-22,appliestovictimsandperpetratorswhohaveaspecifiedfamilyorintimatepartnerrelationship.Abusecanbephysicalorverbal,anddoesnothavetorise to the level of a crime to fallwithin the realmof the PFAAct. The PFAAct and federalViolence Against Women Act, also known as VAWA, provide access to relief for individualsabusedbyafamilyorhouseholdmemberREGARDLESSOFTHEIRIMMIGRATIONSTATUS.

The PSVI Act, 42 Pa. C.S. § 62A, establishes the procedures for obtaining Sexual ViolenceProtection and Protection From Intimidation orders. The PSVI Act applies to victims andperpetratorswhodonothavethefamilyorintimatepartnerrelationshipspecifiedbythePFAAct, such as strangers or casual acquaintances. Adults and minors can petition for aSexualViolenceProtection(SVP)order.Forexample,aSVPordercouldbegrantedforavictimwhoissexuallyassaultedbyacoworker,andwhohasnootherrelationshipwiththecoworker,e.g.,isnot now or never was a family relation, spouse, dating partner, or member of the samehousehold.TheProtectionFrom Intimidation (PFI)orderwas created toprotectminorswhen

1SeeChapter3:BailandPreliminaryHearingsInDomesticViolenceCases2SeeChapter2:DomesticViolenceCrimes 3“Separated[vs.marriedordivorced]femalesexperiencedthehighestrateofintimatepartnerviolenceduringthe18-yearperiod”from1993to2010.This“separationviolence”isreflectedinlong-termdata–See ShannanCatalano,IntimatePartnerViolence,1993–2010,Table9:Intimatepartnerviolenceagainstfemales,bymaritalstatus,1993–2010,BureauofJusticeStatistics,U.S.Dep’t.ofJustice,(2012),http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/ipv9310.pdf.4Domesticviolenceconsistsofawiderangeofbehaviors,includingemotionallyabusiveandcontrollingbehavior.Somearecriminalinnature,suchashitting,kicking,shoving,scratching,biting,strangling,assaultwithaweapon,rape,sexualassault,harassment,threatsofviolence,stalking,destructionofpropertyandcrueltytopets.Otherdomesticviolencebehaviorsmaynotconstitutecriminalconduct,suchasdegradingcomments,suicidethreats,controllingtheabusedparty’stimeandactivities,andcontrollingaccesstofamilyresources:food,shelter,andmoney.Domesticviolenceisnotaccidental,outofcontrolbehavior.Domesticviolenceispurposefulandinstrumentalbehavior–apatternofabusedirectedatachievingcompliancefromorcontrolovertheabusedparty.Domesticviolenceisrarelyaone-timeevent;withouteffectiveintervention,ittypicallyincreasesinfrequencyandseverityovertime.


theoffenderis18orolder.Forexample,aPFIordercouldbegrantedforachildwhoisbeingstalkedorharassedbyasportscoachoradultfriendofthefamily.

ProtectionFromAbuseActPurposeandConstitutionalityThepurposeofthePFAActistoprotectvictimsofdomesticviolence.5TheAct’sprovisionsarewrittentoenablecourtstorespondquicklyandflexiblytobothearlysignsandsubsequentactsof abuse.6 The primary goal of the Act is not to penalize past criminal conduct; rather, it isintendedtoprovideADVANCEPREVENTIONOFPHYSICALANDSEXUALABUSE.7

TheAct,whichpermitsexparteemergencyreliefbyminor judiciary,8 isconstitutionallyvalid.Thetemporarysuspensionofdueprocessrightsoftheallegedabuserisnecessarytomeetthespecialcircumstancesofdomesticviolencecases.9

PFAProcedure

CourtstoProvideFormsandClericalAssistanceThePFAActrequiresPennsylvaniacourtstoprovidesimplifiedPFAformsandclericalassistancein English andSpanish tohelpunrepresentedPFA litigantswith thewriting and filingof PFApetitions:10

• EmergencyPFAPetition(Spanish)

• PFAPetition(EnglishandSpanish)

• AttachmentAtoPetition(EnglishandSpanish)

CourtsarealsorequiredbythePFAActtoprovidetheplaintiffwithwrittenandoralreferralsinbothEnglishandSpanish11to:

• Localdomesticviolenceprograms

• Locallegalservicesoffices

• Countybarassociation’slawyerreferralservice12

523PA.C.S.§§6101-22.6Commw.v.Snell,737A.2d1232(Pa.Super.1999).7Snyderv.Snyder,629A.2d977(Pa.Super.1993).823PA.C.S.§6110(a)9Heardv.Heard,614A.2d255(Pa.Super.1992).1023PA.C.S.§6106(h)(1).SpanishPFAformsareavailablefromtheAdministrativeOfficeofPennsylvaniaCourtswebsite:http://www.pacourts.us/forms/for-the-judiciary/spanish-protection-from-abuse11MorebilingualformsareavailablefromtheUnifiedJudicialSystemofPennsylvaniawebsiteathttp://www.pacourts.us/forms/for-the-judiciary1223PA.C.S.§6106(h)(2).


PlaintiffFilingFeesProhibitedThePFAstatuteprohibitscourtsfromchargingfilingfeesorcoststoplaintiffs.13Nofeesorcostsmay be charged for “filing, issuance, registration or service of a petition,motion, complaint,orderoranyotherfiling.”14Theprohibitedfeesorcosts include,butarenotlimitedto,thoseassociatedwithmodifying,withdrawing,dismissing,orcertifyingcopiesofapetition,motion,complaint,order,oranyotherfiling,aswellasanyjudicialsurchargeorcomputersystemfee.15Gatekeeping mechanisms to control the filing of petitions under the PFA Act frustrate thepurposeoftheActandareprohibited.16

AssessmentofFeesandCostsAgainstDefendantWhen a PFA order is granted, fees and costs shall be assessed against the defendant.17 Thecourt is required towaive fees and costs upon a showing of good cause or whenmaking afindingthatthedefendantisnotabletopay.18

TheProtectionFromAbuseDatabase(PFAD)PFAD is an electronic statewide database available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year toauthorizedusers(courts,lawenforcementagencies,attorneys)viaasecuredInternetwebsite:www.pfad.pa.gov

PFADcomplementsthePennsylvaniaStatePolice(PSP)ProtectionOrderRegistry(alsoknownas the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network or CLEAN), where lawenforcement officers, dispatchers and court staff check the existence and terms of PFA andPSVIorders.

1323PA.C.S.§6106(b).

14Id.15Id.16SeeViruetv.Cancel,727A.2d591(Pa.Super.1999);Egelmanv.Egelman,728A.2d360(Pa.Super.1999).1723PA.C.S.§6106(c).18Id.

ThesetoolsfromPCADVcanassistthecourtinprovidingmoreinformationforlitigants:

• Pennsylvania’sPFAAct–InformationforCompletingthePetition

• SampleChecklistofAbusiveBehaviors

• ThePFAAct:AGuideforVictimsofDomesticViolence


WhilemagisterialdistrictjudgesgenerallydonothaveCLEANaccess,theycancheckPFADforactiveordersinthefollowingmatters:

• ProtectionFromAbuse• ProtectionFromSexualViolence• ProtectionFromIntimidation

PFAD also contains electronic forms for Indirect Criminal Contempt and Civil Contemptproceedings and houses both civil and criminal contempt orders issued by judges across theCommonwealth. Emergency orders under the PFA Act and PSVI Act are not included in theRegistryorinPFAD.

Theprothonotaryandcourtadministrationemployeesregister,viacomputer,informationthatthe prothonotary is required to transmit to the State Police according to the Rules of CivilProcedure.ThePFADdatabaseautomatesthePFAandPSVIprocessinthecourts;createsanddisseminates the Protection From Abuse Summary Data Sheet – information necessary forinclusionintheStatePoliceregistry(CLEAN);andcontainsallstandardPFAandPSVIformsinadditiontootherformsnecessaryinPFAandPSVIcases.

Magisterial district judges and court personnel may request a PFAD account or get moreinformationaboutPFADat:

https://www.pfad.pa.gov/

ThreeDifferentTypesofPFAOrdersTherearethreedifferenttypesofprotectionordersthatmaybeissuedunderthePFAAct.Twoof theseordersare issuedexparte:19emergencyprotectionorders, typically issuedonnightsand weekends by magisterial district or municipal court judges; and temporary protectionorders, issuedbycommonpleascourt judgesduringregularbusinesshours.Thethirdtypeofprotectionorder is the final PFAorder,which is issuedby the commonpleas court after thedefendant is given notice andopportunity to be heard. A final PFAorder can be entered byagreementorafterahearing.

EmergencyPFAProceedingsbyaMagisterialDistrictJudgeTheseindividualsmayhearemergencyPFApetitionswhenthecourtofcommonpleasisunavailable:

• Magisterialdistrictjudges• JudgesofthePhiladelphiaMunicipalCourt• Bailcommissioners• Arraignmentcourtmagistrates

19“[F]orthebenefitofonepartyonly,andwithoutnoticeto,orargumentby,anypersonadverselyinterested…”Black’sLawDictionary,WestGroup,2001.


• Attorneymasters20

ThesegroupsgenerallyhearemergencyPFApetitioncasesincountiesthathavefewerthan four judges, generally on nights, weekends and when judges are unavailable,becauseofdutiesoutsidethecounty,illnessorvacation.21Incountieswithfourormorejudges, this group would generally hear the cases at night and from the end of onebusinessweektothebeginningofthenextbusinessweek.22

The Act, which permits ex parte emergency relief by magisterial district judges,23 isconstitutionally valid. The SuperiorCourt has affirmed that the TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF DUEPROCESSRIGHTSOFTHEALLEGEDABUSERISNECESSARYTOMEETTHESPECIALCIRCUMSTANCESOFDOMESTICVIOLENCECASES.24

JurisdictionandVenueWhenthecourt isunavailable,generallyafterhoursandonweekends,andapersonneedsaprotectionorder,themagisterialdistrict judgemayconductanexparteproceedingandissueanemergencyPFAorder.25Inadditiontoweekendsandafterhours,thecommonpleascourtisdeemedtobeunavailableduringthebusinessdayincountieswithlessthanfourjudgesif,byreasonofdutiesoutsideofthecounty,illnessorvacationthereisnojudgeavailable.26

Jurisdiction

TheplaintiffhasarighttoPFAreliefevenif:

• theplaintiffleavestheresidenceorhouseholdtoavoidfurtherabuse,or• thedefendantisabsentfromPennsylvaniaorisanon-residentinPennsylvania,

providedthatthecourthaspersonaljurisdictionoverthedefendantinaccordancewithPennsylvania’slong-armstatute.27

SomeactsthatwouldsubjectaPFAdefendanttojurisdictionunderthelong-armstatutemayinclude transactingbusinesswithinPennsylvania;owning real estate inPennsylvania; causingharmortortiousinjuryinPennsylvaniabyanactoromissionwithinoroutsideofPennsylvania;and/orviolatinganyPennsylvaniastatute.28

20PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1202(5).2123PA.C.S.§6110(a)(1).2223PA.C.S.§6110(a)(2).2323PA.C.S.§6110(a).24Heardv.Heard,614A.2d255(Pa.Super.1992).25PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1203(a)and23PA.C.S.§6110(a).2623PA.C.S.§6110(a).2723PA.C.S.§6103(b);42PA.C.S.§5322(longarmjurisdiction).2842PA.C.S.§5322(a).


Venue

APFAactionmaybebroughtinthefollowingmagisterialdistricts:

• Withinthecountyinwhichtheplaintiffresides,eithertemporarilyorpermanently(Temporaryresidencemayincludeastayatadomesticviolenceshelter).

• Wheretheabuse,sexualviolenceorintimidationoccurred.29• Withinthecountyinwhichahouseholdorresidenceislocatedifthepetitioner

seeksexclusivepossessionofthehouseholdorresidence.30

CommencementofProceedingsAplaintiffmustfileapetitionanddemonstrate“goodcause”tobegrantedanemergencyPFAorder.31 Immediate and present danger of abuse to the plaintiff or minor children shallconstitute “good cause.”32 The plaintiff must sign the petition and set forth the names andaddresses of the plaintiff and defendant and the names, addresses and ages of any otherpersonforwhomplaintiffisseekingrelief.33

PartiesCoveredbythePFAActPlaintiff

UnderthePFAAct,apetitionmaybefiledbyanyofthefollowing:

• Anadultoranemancipatedminorseekingemergencyreliefforthemselves• Aparent, adult householdmemberorguardianad litem seeking emergency relief on

behalfofminorchildren• A guardian of the person of an adult who has been declared incompetent

(incapacitated)seekingrelieffortheincompetentadult34

Defendant

APFApetitionmaybefiledagainstanyofthefollowingpersons:

• “Familyorhouseholdmember”(seedefinitionbelow)• Sexualorintimatepartner• Personwhosharesbiologicalparenthoodwiththepersonseekingrelief35

Defendants who are active duty service members have special protections under theServicemembers’CivilReliefAct(SCRA).36

29PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1204(A)(1)-(2);PA.R.CIV.P.1901.1(a).30PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1204(B);PA.R.CIV.P.1901.1(b).3123PA.C.S.§6110(a).32PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1208(A);23PA.C.S.§6110(a).33PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1206(A)34Rule1205;seealso23PA.C.S.§6106(a)and42PA.C.S.§62A053523PA.C.S.§6102(a).


MeaningofFamilyorHouseholdMember“Familyorhouseholdmember”isdefinedinthePFAActas:

• Spousesorpersonswhohavebeenspouses• Personslivingasspousesorwholivedasspouses• Parentsandchildren• Otherpersonsrelatedbyconsanguinityoraffinity• Currentorformersexualorintimatepartners• Personswhosharebiologicalparenthood37

DatingrelationshipsmeettherelationshiprequirementofthePFAAct

TheSuperiorCourtofPennsylvaniahasprovidedguidanceregardingthemeaningof“sexualorintimatepartners”undertheAct.

InR.G.v.T.D., theplaintiffand thedefendantwerecollege students.38Theplaintiff soughtaPFA against the defendant averring that he was her former boyfriend and alleging that hisharassing,stalking,andthreateningbehaviorwascausingherfear.Attrial,thedefendantmadeno objection to her description of him as her former boyfriend, so this relationship wasconsideredan“intimatepartner”relationship.InVarnerv.Holley,theSuperiorCourtaffirmedtheholding inR.G.,andheldthatadatingrelationshipmeetstherelationshiprequirementofthePFAAct.39

The holdings fromR.G. andVarnerwere further clarified inEvans v. Braun, a 2010 SuperiorCourtcasethatfoundthattwodateswereenoughtosatisfythe“sexualor intimatepartner”standard.40TheSuperiorCourtexplainedthat,eventhoughshort-lived,therelationshiphadameasure of personal interaction elected by the parties and, thus, qualified as an intimatepartnershipforthepurposeofthePFAAct.41

Sexualorientationisirrelevant

All intimate partnerships are covered under the PFAAct REGARDLESS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION.42Where plaintiff testified that he had a one and one-half month sexual relationship with his“former roommate and homosexual lover,” the Superior Court found the evidence wassufficienttoestablishanintimaterelationshipunderthePFAAct.43

3650U.S.C.§§501-593.FormoreinformationontheSCRA,viewthePFAOrdersandActiveDutyServicememberswebinarorpublicationathttp://www.pcadv.org/Resources/NEWSL_Jurist_Mil-SCRA_02242015.pdf.37Id.38R.G.v.T.D.,672A.2d341(Pa.Super.1996).39Varnerv.Holley,854A.2d520(Pa.Super.2004).40Evansv.Braun,12A.3d395(Pa.Super.2010).41Id.42D.H.v.B.O.,734A.2d409(Pa.Super.1999).43Id.


Relationshipby“consanguinity”couldincludesiblings

InCochranv.Custer,asisterandbrotherwereinvolvedinafamilybusinessdispute,alongwithtwoothersiblings.44Duringaconversationatwork,thebrothercontinuallyyelledathissister,followed her and pushed his way into her office, knocking her over. He hit her arm, whichrecentlyhadbeeninasplintfollowingsurgery.Thebrotheralsoransackedherpurseandoffice,throwingcontentsontothe floorandoutof thedoor.Thebrotherwasmuchbigger thanhissisterandhadactedviolentlytowardherinthepast.ThePennsylvaniaSuperiorCourtaffirmedthetrialcourt’sentryofaPFAorderinthiscase,determiningthatwhilethesisterwaslookingforprotectionfrombrother’sabuse,shewasnotaskingthePFAcourttoresolvetheirbusinessdispute.45

Relationshipby“consanguinity”includesdirectbloodrelationshiptochild

Achild’smotherfiledaPFAorderafterthechild’spaternalgrandfathershowedherahandgunand issuedaveiled threataboutbeingallowed to seehisgrandchild.Thechild’smotherandfather(thedefendant’sson)werenevermarried.Thetrialcourtenteredanorderevictingthepaternal grandfather from the mother’s home, and prohibited all contact with her, exceptunderverylimitedcircumstances.Thepaternalgrandfatherappealed,claimingthatthePFAActdid not cover the relationship betweenhimand the child’smother.On appeal, the SuperiorCourtaffirmedthetrialcourt’sentryofaPFAorder,determiningthatthemotherandpaternalgrandfather both “have a direct blood relationship to the child, and by extension areinextricablylinkedtoeachotherbythatrelationship.”46

Relationshipby“affinity”includesbrother-in-lawandsister-in-lawrelationship

Theterm“affinity”inthePFAAct’sdefinitionof“familyandhouseholdmember”includesthefamilialrelationshipofbrother-in-lawandsister-in-law. InMcCancev.McCance,thesister-in-law filed for and received a PFA order from the trial court.47 The PFA filing resulted from acustody exchange incident where her brother-in-law jumped in front of her car, yelledobscenitiesandverbalthreats,andstruckhercarwithhisfisthardenoughtocausedamagesworth $1000. The defendant challenged his sister-in-law’s standing, claiming that theirrelationshipwasnotcoveredunderthePFAAct.TheSuperiorCourtexaminedthedefinitionofaffinityandaffirmedthetrialcourt’sentryofthePFAorder.48

Relationshipby“affinity”includesparent’spartner

InCommonwealthv.Walsh,theSuperiorCourtaffirmedthatachildhadanaffinityrelationshipwithmother’s domestic partner.49 In this case, the child’smother received a temporary PFA

44Cochranv.Custer,933A.2d1050(Pa.Super.2007).45Id.46Slusserv.DeBoer,985A.2d974(Pa.Super.2009).47McCancev.McCance,908A.2d905(Pa.Super.2006).48Id.49Commw.v.Walsh,36A.3d613(Pa.Super.2012).


orderonchild’sbehalf.50Afterentryoftheorder,thedefendant inducedthechild’sfriendtopassalong threats to thechild.The trialcourt foundthedefendantguiltyof indirectcriminalcontempt,sentencedhimto6monthsprobation,andextendedthefinalPFAorderfor3years.Onappeal,theSuperiorCourtupheldtheconviction,findingthatthedefendantandthechildwererelatedbyaffinity,whichisdefinedas“marriageorbytiesotherthanblood.”51Thecourtexplained that thechildand thedefendant resided together for13years, thedefendantwasinvolvedinthechild’slifesinceshewas5yearsold,andthedefendanttreatedthechildlikeastepdaughter.52ConsistentwiththegoalofthePFAActtoprovidethecourtswithflexibilitytoprotectandpreventfurtherabuse,“itisincumbentupon[thecourt]tointerpret‘affinity’soastoincludethisrelationship.”53

ExParteHearingtobeHeldasSoonasPossibleAfterPetitionFiledAnexpartehearingshallbeheldassoonaspossibleafterthefilingofthepetition.54The2013Ferko-Foxv.FoxdecisionruledthatanexparteproceedingrequiresmorethanajudicialofficerexaminingthePFApetition.55 THE JUDICIALOFFICERMUST, THEREFORE,MEETWITHTHEPLAINTIFF INSOMECAPACITY.Theplaintiffmay,butitisnotrequiredtopresentwitnesses.56

Theplaintiffshallnotberequiredorcompelledtodisclosetheaddressofthedomesticviolenceprogram, rape crisis center, plaintiff, minor children or victim in the petition or during thehearing.57

Thecourtispermittedtoutilizeadvancedcommunicationtechnologytoholdthehearingandisnotrequiredtoholdthehearingintheiroffice.58

LimitedReliefAvailableinEmergencyPFAReliefavailableinanemergencyPFAislimitedto:

• Directingthedefendanttorefrainfromabusingtheplaintiffand/orchildren• Grantingexclusivepossessionofthehouseholdtotheplaintiff• Prohibitingthedefendantfromhavingcontactwiththeplaintiffandchildren59

Thisprovisionalsopermitsthecourttoprohibitharassmentoftheplaintiff’srelatives.60

50Id.51Id.at618.52Id.53Id.at618-19.54PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1207.55Ferko-Foxv.Fox,68A.3d917(Pa.Super2013).56PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1207.57Id.58PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.215;seealsoNotetoPA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1207.59PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1208(A);23PA.C.S.§§6110(a);6108(1),(2),(6).6023PA.C.S.§§6108(a)(6),6110(a).


MinorchildrenmaybeprotectedpartiesonanemergencyPFAorderifthemagisterialdistrictjudge finds, upon good cause shown, that it is necessary to protect theminor children fromabuse.61Themagisterialdistrictjudgemaymakeanyprotectionordersnecessarytoeffectuaterelief.62

“Donotabuse”provisions

The court may direct the defendant to refrain from abusing the plaintiff and/or minorchildren.63

Exclusivepossessionorsuitablehousingprovisions

Thecourtmaygrantexclusivepossessionoftheresidenceownedorleasedbytheplaintifforjointlyownedorleasedbytheplaintiffanddefendant.64Ifthedefendantsolelyownsorleasestheresidenceandthedefendanthasadutytosupporttheplaintifforchildren,thePFAcourtmay grant exclusive possession to the plaintiff of the residence, or, if the plaintiff agrees,requirethedefendanttoprovidesuitablealternativehousing.65

“Nocontact”provisions

The court may prohibit the defendant from contacting the plaintiff and minor children,includingattheplaintiff’splaceofemploymentandatthechildren’sschool,andfromharassingtheplaintiff, theplaintiff’s relativesorminorchildren.66 Issuingandenforcinga“NoContact”order iscritical toshield thevictimfrompost-separationcoercionandhelpavictimmaintainautonomy.Itmayalsoincreasethesenseofwellbeing,safety,andsecurityfeltbyavictimandtheparties’childreniftheyknowthattheywillnotseethedefendantunexpectedly.

Nofirearms,ammunitionandotherweaponsrelinquishmentinemergencyPFAs

Firearms, ammunition and other weapons relief is not allowed in emergency PFA orders.Section 6110(2) provides, “the court shall not make any orders requiring defendant tosurrender,relinquishorremoveanyweapons,firearms,licenseorammunitionthatdefendantownsorpossesses.”67

61PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1208(A);23PA.C.S.§6110(a).62PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1208.6323PA.C.S.§6108(a)(1).6423PA.C.S.§6108(a)(2).6523PA.C.S.§6108(a)(3).6623PA.C.S.§6108(a)(6).67Magisterialdistrictjudgesaregiventheauthoritytograntreliefonlyinaccordancewithsections6108(a)(1)(noabuse),6108(a)(2)(exclusivepossessionoftheresidence)and6108(a)(6)(noabuse),or(1)and(6).23PA.C.S.§6110(2).


DurationofOrderAnemergencyPFAorderexpiresattheendofthenextbusinessdayduringwhichthecommonpleascourt isavailable.68Thestatutedirects thetrialcourt tomakeprovisions forcontinuingtheemergencyPFAordertoprotectaplaintiffandminorchildrenuntiltheexpartehearing,atwhichtimethevictimcanseekatemporaryPFAorder.69

IssueFindings,OrdersandEnableCourtandPlaintifftoGoForwardThemagisterialdistrictjudgeshallincludethefindingsandanyprotectionordersmadeorotheractiontakenonthepetition form.70 Thecourtshallprovidetheplaintiffwith instructionsoncommencing protection order proceedings in the court of common pleas and initiating acontempt charge should the defendant violate the emergency order.71 The judge shall alsoadvise the plaintiff aboutdomestic violence programs in the county or nearby counties andabouttheavailabilityofno-costlegalassistanceoptions.72

Uponcompletionof theexpartehearingand issuanceofanemergencyorder,acopyof theemergencyPFAordershallbegiventotheplaintiff.73 Ifmultiplepolicedepartmentsorpolicejurisdictionsareinvolved,itmaybenecessarytoprovidetheplaintiffwithmorethanonecopyoftheemergencyPFAorder.

The judgeshall immediatelycertify theemergencyPFAorderalongwithanydocumentation insupportthereoftothecourtofcommonpleas.74Certificationshallbeaccomplishedbydeliveringthecertifieddocumentstotheprothonotarybyfirstclassmailormessenger.75Thecertificationtothecourtshallhavetheeffectofcommencingprotectionfromabuseproceedings.76

VictimsafetywhenemergencyPFAordersaredenied

Itisimportanttorememberthatviolencetypicallyescalatesatseparation.77Ifthecourtmustdenyanemergencyorderrequest,itisimportantforthecourttogivetheplaintiffachancetoplanhowbest to stay safeanddeterminewhether toproceedwitha temporaryorder. Thebestway to accomplish this is to provide victimswith referral information to local domesticviolenceprogramsthatcanprovidetheseservices. Otherwise,thecourt’sdenialmayplaceavictimatriskbyleavingthevictimwithoutcourt-orderedprotectionwhileadvisingtheabuserthatthevictimispubliclyseekinghelpandchallengingtheabuser’sauthority.

68PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1210.6923PA.C.S.§6110(b).70PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1208(B);23PA.C.S.§6110(d).71Id.72Id.73PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1209(A)74PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1211(A).75PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1211(B).7623PA.C.S.§6110(c).77SeeCatalano,supranote3.


A victimmay choose to proceedwith petitioning for a temporary PFA order in the court ofcommon pleas. If so, certifying the denial order to the prothonotary could assist the courtadministratively.Itisalsogoodpracticetoprovidetheplaintiffwithinstructionsregardingthecommencementof theproceedings in thecourtat thebeginningof thenextbusinessdayaswellasreferralstodomesticviolenceservices.

WhenthevictimdecidesnottopursueatemporaryPFAorder,thecourtisundernoobligationtocertifythedenialorder.ThePFAActandtheRulesofCivilProcedurearesilentastothepost-denialprocedure.

ServiceofEmergencyPFAOrdersThejudge,orwhenabsolutelynecessary,theplaintiff,shallimmediatelydeliveraservicecopyoftheemergencyordertoapoliceofficer,policedepartment,sherifforcertifiedconstableforserviceuponthedefendantandexecution.78 If,aftermakingreasonableeffort,theexecutingofficerisunabletoaffectservice,theexecutingofficershallleaveaservicecopywiththepolicedepartment with jurisdiction over the area in which the plaintiff resides and inform thedepartment that service could not be made.79 Service shall be made at no cost to theplaintiff.80

Serviceonmilitarydefendants

IfthedefendantisamemberoftheArmedForcesonactiveduty,thenservicemustbemadeunder the ServicemembersCivil ReliefAct.81 Inmost cases, routineprocedureswill suffice inserving military defendants. The Department of Defense instructs commanders of militaryinstallations to facilitate “making the alleged abuser available to be served with a civilianprotectionorder.”82Whenmilitarypersonnelarepostedtoout-of-stateoroverseaslocations,locallawenforcementoftenhaveagreementsforserviceonmilitarybases.83

VerbalnoticetodefendantsustainsPFAcontemptconviction

WhenaPFAdefendanthasbeengivenverbalnoticebypoliceoftheexistenceofaPFAorderandoftheconsequencesforviolatingtheorder,thisnoticeissufficienttosustainafindingofcontempt. In Commonwealth v. Padilla, a victim obtained a PFA order late on a Fridayafternoondirectingthatthedefendanthavenocontactwithher.84EarlySundaymorning,the78Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J.No.1209(A)..79Id.80PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1206(C).81TheServicemembersCivilReliefActcanbefoundat50UnitedStatesCodeAppendixSections501-593.82DepartmentofDefenseInstruction6.1.1.10,updated2011,http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/640006p.pdf,accessedDec.30,2015.83Alistofmilitaryinstallationsbystateisavailableathttp://www.militaryinstallations.dod.mil/MOS/f?p=MI:ENTRY:0,orcontactBrianClubb,BWJP’sMilitaryAdvocacyProgramCoordinator,fortechnicalassistance.Hecanbereachedviaemailatbclubb@bwjp.orgorbyphoneat571-384-0985.84Commw.v.Padilla,885A.2d994(Pa.Super.2005).


victim called the police notifying them of the existence of the PFA order and seeking policeassistance,becausethedefendanthadbeenattemptingtogainentry intoherhomeandhadbeenthreateningherviatelephone.Whenpolicearrivedatthevictim’sresidence,shehandedhercellphonetothepoliceofficer,indicatingthatdefendantwasonthephone.Duringthisanda subsequent call, the officer advised the defendant of the existence of the no-contact PFAorder,andoftheconsequencesforviolatingtheorder.Nevertheless,thedefendantcontinuedtothreatenandharassthevictimviatelephoneforseveralmorehoursuntilthedefendantwasservedwithacopyoftheorderlateonSundayafternoon.Afterthedefendantreceivedacopyoftheorder,hestoppedplacingtelephonecallstothevictim.

ThedefendantwasheldincontemptforviolatingthePFAorderandappealed,claimingthathisdueprocess rightswereviolated.Onappeal,his convictionwasaffirmed.TheSuperiorCourtreferredtothepreventiveandprotectivenatureoftheActandfoundthatverbalnoticeoftheexistenceof thePFAorderandof theconsequences for theviolationwassufficienttosatisfythenoticerequirements.85

WhatConstitutesAbuseUnderthePFAAct?Physicalinjuryisnotaprerequisiteforafindingofabuseunderthestatute,andtheabusedoesnothavetorisetothelevelofcriminalitytoqualifyforprotectionunderthePFAAct.86ThePFAActincludesfivecategoriesofabuse.87Thedefendant’sactionmustfallwithinat leastoneofthefollowingcategoriestoqualifyasabuseunderthestatute:

• Attemptingtocauseorintentionally,knowinglyorrecklesslycausingbodilyinjury,seriousbodilyinjuryoranyofvariouslistedcrimesofrapeandsexualassault

• Placinganotherinreasonablefearofimminentseriousbodilyinjury88• Causinganothertobefalselyimprisoned• Physicallyorsexuallyabusingminorchildren89• Knowinglyengaginginacourseofconductorrepeatedlycommittingactstoward

anotherperson,includingfollowingthatperson,withoutproperauthority,undercircumstancesthatplacethatpersoninreasonablefearofbodilyinjury90

85Id.86Fonnerv.Fonner,731A.2d160(Pa.Super.1999);R.G.v.T.D.,672A.2d341(Pa.Super.1996);Millerv.Walker,665A.2d1252(Pa.Super.1995).8723PA.C.S.§6102(a)andPA.R.C.P.M.D.J.No.1202(1)(a)-(e).88SeeFonner,731A.2d160(physicalinjurynotrequired);seealsoWeirv.Weir,631A.2d650(Pa.Super.1993)(physicalmenaceputplaintiffinfearofbodilyinjury).89ThePFAActdefinitionofchildabuseincludes,butisnotlimitedto,abusecoveredbytheChildProtectiveServicesLaw.23PA.C.S.§6102(d).Viruetv.Cancel,727A.2d591(Pa.Super.1999);Millerv.Walker,665A.2d1252(Pa.Super.1995);seealso,Chronisterv.Brenneman,742A.2d190(Pa.Super.1999)(parentsmayusephysicalpunishmenttodisciplinechildren).90R.G.,672A.2dat341.


ActualPhysicalInjuryNotRequired;ReasonableFearIsAdequateThePFAActonlyrequiresthatavictim’sfearof imminentseriousbodily injury isreasonable.TheActdoesnotcallforactualphysicalcontact,andavictimisnotrequiredtowaitforphysicalorsexualabusefortheActtoapply.

PhysicalblockingandwallpunchingInFonnerv.Fonner,91testimony–thatthedefendant,whowasthehusband,followedhiswifethroughthehome,wasangry,upset,loudandbadgering,stoodinfrontofherandblockedherexit, touchedherarmandatonepointpunched thewall in frontofwife–wasadequate tosupportthewife’sclaimthatthedefendant’sactionsplacedherinreasonablefearofimminentbodilyharm.92

DangerousdrivingDrivingatexcessivespeedsandusingthecartotrapavictimcanconstituteabuse. InWeirv.Weir, the defendant and the victimwere traveling in their car and discussing their pendingdivorce.Thedefendant,whowasthehusband,begandrivingatanexcessiverateofspeedoverdarkwindingroads.Atonepoint,afterthevictim,whowasthewife,gotoutoftheparties’van,the defendant used the van to trap the victim between the van and a concrete bridgeabutment.93 Even though the victim had no physical injuries, these acts were sufficient toconstituteabuse.94

Splashingwaterontochild’sfaceSplashingwaterontoachild’sface,whileholdingthechilddowninatubmaycausefearandconstituteabuse.InDeHaasv.DeHaas,thedefendantheldherchilddowninthebathtubandsplashedwaterontothechild’sface,causingthechildtochokeandbeinfear.95Thetrialcourtheld that even though the child suffered no physical harm, the child’s fearwas adequate tosupportentryofanorderandtheSuperiorCourtaffirmed.96

Blockingcar,yellingobscenitiesandverbalthreats,hittingcarwithfistandcausingdamageInMcCance v.McCance, during a custody exchange, the father blocked his sister-in-law’s car,yelledobscenitiesandverbalthreats,andstruckhercarwithhisfisthardenoughtocause$1000worth of damage.97 Other evidence established that the father “had anger issues,” a drinkingproblemandwasphysicallyviolentwithothersinthepast.TheSuperiorCourtaffirmedthetrialcourt’s determination that the father’s acts had placed his sister-in-law in reasonable fear ofimminentseriousbodilyinjurysufficienttosupporttheentryofaPFAorder.9891Fonnerv.Fonner,731A.2d160(Pa.Super.1999).92Id.at163.93Weirv.Weir,631A.2d650(Pa.Super.1993).94Id.at657.95DeHaasv.DeHaas,708A.2d100(Pa.Super.1998).96Id.97McCancev.McCance,908A.2905(Pa.Super.2006).98Id.at910-11.


Perpetrator’sintentisnotrelevanttoreasonablefeardeterminationInRakerv.Raker,thehusbandappearedat2a.m.inhiswife’shalfofaduplexwithsocksonhishandsandholdingaknifeoralargenail.Hiswifetestifiedtopriorabusivebehavior.99ThetrialcourtenteredaPFAorderbasedonthewife’sclaimthatthehusband’sactionsplacedher infear.Thehusbandappealed,claimingthattherewasinsufficientevidencetosupporthiswife’sclaim. On appeal, the Superior Court affirmed, finding that the focus for a trial court’sdeterminationiswhetherthehusband’sactsplacedhiswifeinfearofimminentseriousbodilyinjury.Thecourtfurtherfoundthatthehusband’sactualintentwas“ofnomoment.”100

Verbal/WrittenThreatsSufficientThreatstokill–e-mailthreat

Verbal threats may cause reasonable fear. An e-mailed threat to kill without actual orattemptedphysicalviolencemayserveasthebasisfortheissuanceofaPFAorder.101

TelephonethreatAtelephonethreatmayconstituteabuse. InBurkev.Bauman, thedefendanttelephonedthevictim,hisformergirlfriend,toarrangeretrievalofhisclothesfromherresidence.102Duringthecall, the two discussed criminal charges that the defendant was facing as a result of thedefendantdestroyingthevictim’sproperty.Hethreatenedherduringthesecalls.“I’llgetyouback.Youaregoingtoburnforthis.IwillbethinkingeverydayifIgotojailhowIcan’twaittoget out and make you pay. I’m going to get someone to destroy you and the rest of yourstuff.”103Inpriorincidents,thedefendantpushedthevictim,smashedproperty,kickedholesinwallsanddoors,hadfitsofrageatthevictim’schildrenanddestroyedhercar.

Thetrialcourtentereda temporaryorder,butat the finalhearing, thevictimwashospitalizedandunavailable.Afteradiscussionwithcounsel,thetrialcourtenteredanorderdismissingtheplaintiff’s petition, stating that the telephone threatswere insufficient to support a finding ofabuse. The Superior Court reversed, finding that a person canbeplaced in reasonable fear ofimminentbodilyinjurybasedontelephonecalls,especiallywhencoupledwithpastincidentsofabuse.104

FalseImprisonmentThePFAActincorporatesthecriminalcodedefinitionoffalseimprisonmentinitsdefinitionofabuse.105 False imprisonment is committed when an individual knowingly restrains another

99Rakerv.Raker,837A.2d720(Pa.Super.2004).100Id.at726.101SeeR.G.v.T.D.,672A.2d341(Pa.Super.1996).102Burkev.Bauman,814A.2d206(Pa.Super.2002).103Id.at207.104Id.814A.2dat209.10523PA.C.S.§6102(a).


unlawfully so as to interfere substantiallywithhis liberty.106 The SuperiorCourtheld that anabuser’s restraint of his wife for a period of 10 to 15 minutes was sufficient to meet thedefinitionoffalseimprisonmentunderthePFAActinSnyderv.Snyder.107

Stalking

ThePFAstatuteprovidesthatstalkingisabuse,definingitasfollows:“Knowinglyengaginginacourse of conduct or repeatedly committing acts toward another person, including followingthe person, without proper authority, under circumstances which place the person inreasonablefearofbodilyinjury.”108ThePFAstatutestalkingdefinitionexpresslylimitsitselftothe PFA Act and provides that it is inapplicable to criminal proceedings.109 There are twosignificantdifferencesbetweenthedefinitionofstalkinginthecrimescodeanditsdefinitioninthe PFA Act. THE PFA DEFINITION REQUIRES ONLY REASONABLE FEAR AND DOES NOT REQUIRE THEINVOLVEMENT OF SUBSTANTIAL EMOTIONAL DISTRESS TO PROVE STALKING.110 Also, the PFA definitionrequiresafamilyandhouseholdrelationshipforthecourttohavejurisdiction.THECRIMESCODEDEFINITION OF STALKING DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY SPECIFIC RELATIONSHIP between thedefendantandvictimforachargetoarise.111

Repeatedcallsande-mails

InR.G.v.T.D., thetrialcourt foundandtheSuperiorCourtaffirmedthatabusehadoccurredwhen a university student made repeated telephone calls, sent electronic mail messages,including threatening ones, and advised his former girlfriend, also a student, that he wasobsessive-compulsiveandshewashisobsessionobject. 112Theformergirlfriendtestifiedthatshewasveryscaredofhisincreasinglyhostilemessagesandfearfulofwalkingaroundcampus,evenindaylight.113

ChildAbusePFAActDefinitionisBroadThedefinitionofchildabuseinthePFAActincludesandincorporates,114butisnotlimitedto,thedefinitionsofchildandsexualabuseset forth in theChildProtectiveServices law.115ThechildabusedefinitionunderthePFAActisbroaderthanthechildprotectiveservicesdefinitionandthecriminalstatute.

10618PA.C.S.§2903.107Snyderv.Snyder,629A.2d977(Pa.Super.1993).108Compare23PA.C.S.§6102(a)and18PA.C.S.§2709.1.109Id.110Id.111Id.112R.G.v.T.D.,672A.2d341(Pa.Super.1996).113Id.11423PA.C.S.§6102(a)(4).11523PA.C.S.§§6102(a),6303(a).


Therefore,thechildabuseprotectionsofthePFAActapplyevenwhentheabuseagainstachildisnotasseriousastheabusethatwouldresultinanindicatedreportofchildabuseorremovalofachildfromthehomeundertheChildProtectiveServiceslaw.ItisalsonotnecessaryforthelevelofviolenceagainstthechildtogiverisetocriminalculpabilityforthePFAActtoapply.116

Excessive,recklesscorporalpunishmentaschildabuse

ChildrencanqualifyforaPFAorderunderotherdefinitionsofabuseaswell.Forinstance,whenachildreceivesbodilyinjuryasaresultofexcessivecorporalpunishment,aPFAordermaybeentered.

InMillerv.Walker,plaintifffiledaPFApetitiononbehalfofherminorchildren,allegingthatthedefendant(thechildren’sfather)spankedtheirsonwithaboard,causingbruisesonthechild’sleg.117Theson testified thathis fatherhithimwithaboardon the legandgrabbedhisarm,causinghim tobruise.118 Thedaughter testified that sheheardherbrother crying after theirfather took a board into her brother’s room.119 Photographs of the bruises were alsointroduced.120ThetrialcourtenteredaPFAorderandtheSuperiorCourtaffirmed,holdingthat“[c]orporalpunishmentinflictedrecklesslyorinanenragedmannermayresultinbodilyinjury,supportingissuanceofaPFAorder.”121

Corporalpunishmentthatdoesnotcausebruisingorfearisnotabuse

InFerriv.Ferri,theSuperiorCourtreversedatrialcourtorderenteringaPFAonbehalfofasix-year-oldchildwhosemotherhadslappedher.122Theslapdidnotleaveabruiseandtherewasno testimonyat the trial court level that thechildwas in imminent fearofbodily injury.123AsimilaroutcomewasreachedinChronisterv.Brenneman,whereafatheradministeredcorporalpunishment by hitting his 16-year-old daughter with a strap across the buttocks after sheadmittedlyingtohim.124TheSuperiorCourtheldthisactdidnotconstituteabuse;therewasnoevidencethatthestrappingresultedinanythingmorethanatemporarypainfulconditionandthestrappingdidnotleavebruises.125

116SeeViruetexrel.Velasquezv.Cancel,727A.2d591(Pa.Super.1999).117Millerv.Walker,665A.2d1252(Pa.Super.1995).118Id.at1254.119Id.120Id.121Id.at1258.122Ferriv.Ferri,854A.2d600(Pa.Super.2004).123Id.124Chronisterv.Brenneman,742A.2d190(Pa.Super.1999).125Id.


ViolationofaProtectionOrderisaCriminalMatter

IndirectCriminalContemptIndirectcriminalcontemptofaPFAiscontemptuousconductwherethecontemnorviolatesacourt order or decree outside of the court.126 Indirect criminal contempt proceedings arepunitiveinnatureandareusedtopunishthecontemnorforpastactsofmisbehavior.127

ArrestisMandatoryWhenDefendantViolatesNon-MonetaryProvisionsThepoliceorsheriffshallarrestadefendant,withoutawarrantuponprobablecause,whenthedefendantviolatesprovisionsinaPFAorderrequiringanyofthefollowingrelief:

• Noabuse• Exclusivepossession• Custody/visitation• Nocontact• Weaponsrelinquishment• Stalking128

Arrest for violation of a PFA is mandatory and defendants who are arrested shall beimmediatelytakenbeforethecourt.129

SeizureofWeaponsUsedorThreatenedtobeUsedSubsequent to thearrest, thepoliceofficeror sheriff “shall seizeall firearms,otherweaponsandammunitionusedorthreatenedtobeusedduringtheviolationorduringpriorincidentsofabuseandanyotherfirearmsinthedefendant’spossession.”130

VerbalNoticeofPFAOrderAdequateforICCDetermination

InCommonwealthv.Padilla,theSuperiorCourtexaminedadueprocessclaimraisedbyaPFAdefendantwhowasconvictedofindirectcriminalcontemptofaPFAorder.131

In Padilla, the victim obtained a no-contact PFA order late on a Friday afternoon. Early onSundaymorning,thevictimcalledpolice,becausethePFAdefendanthadbeenthreateningheroverthetelephoneandtriedtogainentrytoherhome.ThedefendanthadnotbeenphysicallyservedwiththePFAorder,however,apoliceofficerleftavoicemailmessageforthedefendantaboutthePFAorder,andlaterspokewiththedefendantbytelephone.

126Commw.v.Baker,722A.2d718(Pa.Super.1998)(enbanc),aff’d,766A.2d328(Pa.2001).127Cipollav.Cipolla,398A.2d1053(Pa.Super.1979).12823PA.C.S.§6113(a).12923PA.C.S.§6113(a),(c).13023PA.C.S.§6113(b).131Commw.v.Padilla,885A.2d994(Pa.Super.2005).


Theofficer: (1)toldthedefendantthattheplaintiffhadaPFAorderagainsthim,(2)directedthe defendant not to contact the plaintiff, and (3) made the defendant aware of theconsequencesofviolatingtheorder.Despitethiswarning,thedefendantcontinuedtocallandthreaten the plaintiff. After the defendant was served with the PFA order, the defendantstoppedcallingandharassingtheplaintiff.

Thetrialcourtheldthedefendant incontempt.Thedefendantappealedthefinding,claimingthattheverbalnoticegivenhimbythepoliceofficerwasinadequatetocomplywiththeservicerequirements of due process. The Superior Court upheld the finding of indirect criminalcontemptandfoundthattheverbalexplanationprovidedbytelephoneadequatelyconveyednotice of the PFA order and possible criminal penalties for violation of the order. The courtobservedthatinsection6106(a),thePFAActprovidesthatthefailuretoserveaPFAorderdoesnotstaytheeffectoftheorder.

Thecourtrecognizedthat therearespecialexigencies inPFAcases,andobservedthat“sincethepointofthestatuteistoprotectthevictimfrominjuryordeathatthehandsoftheabuser,resortmaybehadtoextraordinarymeasureswhennecessarytoensurethatordersdesignedtoprovideprotectionactuallydoso.”132

Defendant,NotPlaintiff,CanBeArrestedandHeldInContemptforViolatingNo-ContactTermsofPFA

Where a PFA order clearly prohibited the defendant “from having any contact with theplaintiff,” the fact that the plaintiff invited the defendant to attend a partywith herwas nodefense to an Indirect Criminal Contempt (ICC) charge for violating the PFA order. InCommonwealth v. Brumbaugh, the trial court’s decision holding the defendant in indirectcriminalcontemptofthePFAorderwassubsequentlyaffirmedbytheSuperiorCourt.133

PenaltiesAjudgemayholdadefendantinindirectcriminalcontemptandsentencehimorhertoaprisontermofuptosixmonths,and imposeafinebetween$300and$1000. Inaddition,the judgemayorder supervisedprobation and a finebetween$300 and$1000.134 The judgemay alsogrant other relief as listed in the PFA Act. If an ICC conviction is entered and the plaintiffrequestsit,thejudgeshallextendthePFAorder.135Prosecutionforindirectcriminalcontemptdoesnotremovetheavailabilityofothercriminalcharges.136Additionally,aplaintiffmayfileaprivatecriminal complaint forviolationofaPFAorder if thedistrictattorney’sofficedecides

132Padilla,885A.2dat997.133Commw.v.Brumbaugh,932A.2d108(Pa.Super.2007).ThePFAActallowsthetrialcourttoenterindirectcriminalorcivilcontemptordersagainstthedefendantonly.TheplainlanguageoftheActisclearthatthedefendant,nottheplaintiff,isboundbytheorderandmaybeheldincontempt.See23PA.C.S.§§6113(a),6114(a).13423PA.C.S.§6114(b).13523PA.C.S.§6114(b)(4).13623PA.C.S.§6114(d).


not tobringacontemptcharge.137 Plaintiffscanalso fileapetition forcivil contemptofanyportionoftheorder.138

BailConditionsAddressingProtectionofVictimandCommunityIndeterminingwhetheranarresteddefendantshouldbeallowedbail, themagisterialdistrictjudgemustconsiderwhetherthedefendantposesathreatofdangertothevictim.139Ifso,themagisterialdistrict judgeshall require,asaconditionofbail, that thedefendant refrain frombothofthefollowingactions:

• Enteringtheresidenceorhouseholdofthevictim,andthevictim’splaceofemployment

• Committinganyfurtheractsofcriminalconductagainstthevictim140

Thisbail conditionexpiresat the timeof thehearing.141 SeeChapter3 formore informationaboutbailconditions.

Bailmaybedenied

In addition, the Pennsylvania Constitution allows themagisterial district judge to refuse bailwhere there is evident proof or great presumption that no condition or combination ofconditions other than imprisonmentwill reasonably assure the safety of any person and thecommunity.142

Prohibitingwitnessintimidationandanyotherconditionsnecessary

Otherbailprovisionsthatmaybehelpfulincriminalcasesinvolvingdomesticviolenceincludetheprovisionprohibitingwitnessintimidation,143andprovisionsthatallowtheissuingauthoritytoimpose“anyotherappropriateconditionsdesignedtoensurethedefendant’s…compliancewiththeconditionsofthebailbond.”144

Victimsmustbenotifiedwhetherbailgrantedordenied

In addition to the aforementioned protective bail conditions, the Crime Victims Act requiresthat the victim be given access to information regarding the grant or denial of bail to anadult.145

137Id.13823PA.C.S.§§6113.1(a);6114.1.13918PA.C.S.§2711(c)(1).14018PA.C.S.§2711(c)(2).141Id.142PA.CONST.art.I,§14.143PA.R.CRIM.P.526(A)(4).144PA.R.CRIM.P.527(A)(3);seealso,PA.R.CRIM.P.526(B).14518P.S.§11.201(2).


Theprosecutor inapersonal injurycrime,mustprovidenoticetothevictimoftheoffender’sreleasefromastateorlocalcorrectionfacility.146

ThelocalcorrectionalauthorityistoprovidenoticetothevictimwhenbailisgrantedtoaPFAdefendantwho is jailedforviolationofthePFAorderor forapersonal injurycrimeagainstavictimprotectedbyaPFAorder.147

StatutorySafetyConsiderationsinPFAProceedings

PFACourtProtectionofLocation,TelephoneNumberThe PFA Act includes a provision that allows a court to protect the confidentiality of theplaintiff’s andminor child’s address, telephonenumber,demographic information, andotherinformation about the location of the plaintiff or minor child if the court finds that thedefendantposesacontinuingriskorthreattotheplaintiff.148Thisprovisionalsomaintainstheconfidentialityofthedomesticviolenceshelteraddress.149

AddressConfidentialityProgramTheDomesticViolenceandSexualViolenceVictimAddressConfidentialityActestablishedanAddress Confidentiality Program (ACP) for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault orstalking.Pennsylvania’sOfficeoftheVictimAdvocate(OVA)administersthisprogram.TheACPconsists of twoparts. First, theACP provides a substitute address for qualifying victimswhohavemoved toanew locationunknown to theperpetrator.The secondpartof theprogramprovidesparticipantswithafree,confidentialfirst-classmailforwardingservice.150

VictimsmustapplyfortheACPinpersonthroughalocaldomesticviolence,sexualassault,orvictim serviceprogram.ACPapplicantsmustprovide their telephonenumberandaddress totheOVA, andmust list all pending civil and criminal proceedings inwhich the applicant is avictim, witness, plaintiff or defendant. The applicant must notify OVA if the victim is onprobationorparole, andmustnotifyOVAof anaddressorname changewithin fivedays.151OVA may not disclose the confidential address of a participant except under limitedcircumstances to a state or local government agency that obtained awaiver; to a person oragency pursuant to a qualifying emergency; or to a person as directed by court order.152Criminalpenaltiesapplytothosepersonswhointentionally,knowinglyorrecklesslyattempttogainaccessorgainsaccesstoaconfidentialaddressbyfraudormisrepresentation.153

14618P.S.§11.213(f).14718P.S.§11.201(9)and11.214(b).14823PA.C.S.§6112.149Id.150See23PA.C.S.§6701-13.15123PA.C.S.§6705.15223PA.C.S.§§6708-6710.15323PA.C.S.§6711.


DomesticViolenceAdvocatePrivilegeandCourtAccompanimentThePFAstatutecodifiesanevidentiaryprivilegeofconfidentialitybetweenavictimofdomesticviolence and a domestic violence counselor/advocate. Pursuant to the PFA Act, privilegedinformation“includesallinformation,whetherwrittenorspoken,transmittedbetweenavictimand a domestic violence counselor or advocate in the course of the relationship.”154 Thisprotection includes information received or given by the domestic violence counselor oradvocate in the course of the relationship, as well as advice, reports, statistical data,memoranda or working papers, records or the like, given or made in the course of therelationship.Italsoincludescommunicationsfacilitatedbyalinguisticinterpreterassistingthevictim,counselororadvocate.155

ThePFAActauthorizesadomesticviolencecounselor/advocatetoaccompanyaparty toanylegalproceedingorhearingunderTitle23.156

FederalRestrictionsonElectronicDisclosureofVictimInformationTheViolenceAgainstWomenAct, also knownasVAWA, is a set of federal lawsdesigned toimproveservicesforandresponsestoviolenceagainstwomen.In2005,VAWAwasamendedtorestrict the informationaboutvictimsthatacourtmaymakeavailableelectronically.Withthe exceptionof secured registry information shared for lawenforcement purposes (such aswww.pfad.org), VAWA prohibits the electronic posting of information that could identify avictim of sexual assault, stalking, or domestic violence. Specifically, it precludes publicationabout anyof the following court pleadings if thepublication could reveal the identity of thevictim:theissuanceoforfilingforaprotectionorderortheregistrationofaforeignorder.157

The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) issued a policy setting forthparametersforpublicaccessandinspectionofelectroniccaserecordsinthesystemscontrolledby theAOPC.Thepolicyprovides thatvictim information, includingname,addressandothercontactinformationinanelectronicrecordshouldnotbeaccessiblebythepublic.158

TheProtectionofVictimsofSexualViolenceorIntimidationActTheProtectionofVictimsofSexualViolenceorIntimidation(PSVI)ActwentintoeffectonJuly1,2015.TheActprotectsvictimsofsexualviolenceorintimidationbyprovidingacivilremedyprohibiting the offender from contacting the victim regardless of whether or not there areoutstandingcriminalcharges.

15423PA.C.S.§6116.15523PAC.S.§6102(a).15623PA.C.S.§6111.15718U.S.C.§§2265,2266(5).158SeeElectronicCaseRecordPublicAccessPolicyoftheUnifiedJudicialSystemofPennsylvania,36Pa.Bull.at7234(Dec.2,2006).


ToobtainreliefunderthePSVIActthepartiescannothaveafamilyorhouseholdrelationship,suchasthatrequiredbythePFAAct.159ThePSVIActdefines“familyorhouseholdmembers”as spouses or persons who have been spouses, persons living as spouses or who lived asspouses, parents and children, other persons related by consanguinity or affinity, current orformersexualorintimatepartnersorpersonswhosharebiologicalparenthood.160Therefore,PARTIESINAPSVIACTIONCANNOTHAVEANYOFTHERELATIONSHIPSLISTEDinthedefinitionof“familyorhouseholdmembers”inordertoobtainrelief.

Court processes to obtain protections under the PSVI Act differ slightly from PFA courtprocesses. Please see the Process Flowchart - Protection From Abuse or Protection FromSexualViolenceandIntimidationlaterinthischapter.

SexualViolenceProtectionOrdersToqualifyforprotectionforsexualviolenceundertheAct,conductconstitutingacrimeunderanyofthefollowingprovisionshastooccurbetweenpersonswhoarenotfamilyorhouseholdmembers:

• 18Pa.C.S.Ch.31(relatingtosexualoffenses,EXCEPT18Pa.C.S.§§3129(relatingtosexualintercoursewithanimal)and3130(relatingtoconductrelatingtosexoffenders)

• 18Pa.C.S.§4304(relatingtoendangeringthewelfareofchildren)iftheoffenseinvolvedsexualcontactwiththevictim

• 18Pa.C.S.§6301(a)(1)(ii)(relatingtocorruptionofminors)• 18Pa.C.S.§6312(b)(relatingtosexualabuseofchildren)• 18Pa.C.S.§6318(relatingtounlawfulcontactwithminor)• 18Pa.C.S.§6320(relatingtosexualexploitationofchildren)161

ProtectionFromIntimidationForProtectionFromIntimidationorders,conductconstitutingacrimehastooccurunderthefollowingprovisionsbetweenpersonswhoarenotfamilyorhouseholdmembers:

• 18Pa.C.S.§2709(A)(40,(5),(6)or(7)(relatingtoharassment)wheretheconductiscommittedbyaperson18yearsofageorolderagainstapersonunder18yearsofage

• 18Pa.C.S.§2709.1(relatingtostalking)whereconductiscommittedbyaperson18yearsofageorolderagainstapersonunder18yearsofage162

15942PA.C.S.§62A03.160Id.161Id.162Id.


It is importanttonotethatTOBE ELIGIBLE FORRELIEFASAVICTIMOF INTIMIDATIONUNDER THEACT,THEPLAINTIFFMUSTBEUNDER18ANDTHEDEFENDANTMUSTBEOVER18.Ageisnotaconsiderationforindividualsapplyingforreliefasavictimofsexualviolence.

PSVIActProceduresAnactionunderthePSVIActiscommencedbyfilingapetitionwiththecourtallegingtheneedforprotectionwithrespecttosexualviolenceorintimidation.Thepetitionmaybefiledbyanadult or on behalf of a minor child by a parent, adult household member or guardian adlitem.163 There is no prepayment of fees for the filing of a petition nor for service of thepetition.164

Jurisdiction,Venue,ReliefAvailableAnemergencyPSVIproceedingmaybebroughttoaMagisterialDistrictCourtwithinthecountyinwhichthe:

• plaintiffresides,eithertemporarilyorpermanently;or• sexualviolenceorintimidationoccurred.165

However,ifthereliefsoughtincludespossessionoftheresidenceorhouseholdtotheexclusionof thedefendant, THE ACTIONMAY ONLY BE BROUGHT IN A MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT COURTWITHIN THECOUNTYINWHICHTHERESIDENCEORHOUSEHOLDISLOCATED.166

The rightof theplaintiff to seek relief under thePSVIAct is not affectedby thedefendant’sabsenceornon-residencefromPennsylvania,providedthatthecourthaspersonaljurisdictionoverthedefendantinaccordancewithsection5322(relatingtobasesofpersonal jurisdictionoverpersonsoutsideofPennsylvania).167

AccompanimentbyaSexualAssaultCounselorA sexual assault counselormay accompany and provide assistance to a plaintiff in any legalproceeding or hearing under the PSVI Act as it relates to sexual violence.168 Anycommunications between a sexual assault counselor and a victim of sexual violence areconfidential and the counselor shall not be competent to testify, release the record of orotherwise disclose confidential communications made to or by the counselor to or by the

16342PA.C.S.§62A05(a).16442PA.C.S.§62A05(b).Whenthemattercomesbeforethecourtforfinaladjudication,thefeesandcostsshallbeassessedagainstdefendant.Thecourtshallwaivefeesandcostsonlyuponashowingofgoodcauseorwhenthecourtmakesafindingthatthedefendantisnotabletopaythefeesandcosts.42PA.C.S.§62A05(c)(2).165PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1204(1)(2).166PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1204(B).16742PA.C.S.§62A05(f).16842PA.C.S.§62A10.


victim.169Theprivilegedcommunicationsofasexualassaultcounselorcanonlybewaivedbyasignedwritingbythevictim,orwhenreportingfactsofphysicalorsexualviolenceofachild.170

ReliefAvailableUnderthePSVIAct,anorderoraconsentagreementmayincludethefollowingrelief:

• Prohibitthedefendantfromhavinganycontactwiththevictim,including,butnotlimitedto,restrainingthedefendantfromenteringthevictim’sresidence,placeofemployment,businessorschool.Thisprohibitionmayalsoincludeindirectcontactthroughthirdpartiesanddirectorindirectcontactwithotherdesignatedpersons.

• Grantinganyotherappropriatereliefsoughtbytheplaintiff.171

Orders,orconsentagreements,shallbeforaperiodoftimenottoexceed36months.172

EmergencyPSVIProceedingsbyaMagisterialDistrictJudgeWhen the court of common pleas is unavailable, generally on theweekends or after hours,magisterialdistrictjudgesmayenteranexpartePSVIorderiftheydeemitnecessarytoprotectthe victim upon good cause shown in an ex parte proceeding.173 Good cause constitutesIMMEDIATEANDPRESENTDANGERPOSEDBYTHEDEFENDANTTOTHEVICTIM.174

ProceedingsforemergencyreliefshallbecommencedbytheplaintifffilingapetitionwiththehearingofficeronaformprescribedbytheStateCourtAdministrator.175Theplaintiffshallsignthe petition and list the names and addresses of the plaintiff and the defendant, and thenames,addresses,andagesofpersonsonwhosebehalf theplaintiff is seeking relief.176 Theplaintiffshallalsoallegethecauseforseekingrelieffromsexualviolenceorintimidation.177

Anexpartehearingshouldbeheldassoonaspossibleafterthefilingofthepetition.178 Theplaintiffmaypresentwitnessesatthehearing.179Neitherinthepetitionnorduringahearingshallthehearingofficerrequiredisclosureoftheaddressofarapecrisiscenterortheplaintifforvictim.180

16942PA.C.S.§62A16(a)(1).17042PA.C.S.§62A16(a)(1)(2).17142PA.C.S.§62A07(b)(1)(2).17242PA.C.S.§62A0(c).17342PA.C.S.§62A08(a)(2)(ii).174Id.175PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1206(A).176Id.177Id.178PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1207.179Id.180Id.


Reliefincludesno-contact,“anyotherappropriaterelief”

ThereliefavailableinanemergencyPSVIorderincludesprohibitingthedefendantfromhavingany contact with the victim, including but not limited to, restraining the defendant fromenteringthevictim’sresidence,placeofemployment,businessorschool.181Itmayalsoincludeprohibitingindirectcontactthroughthirdpartiesandalsoprohibitingdirectorindirectcontactwithother designatedpersons.182 Theminor judiciarymay also grant anyother appropriatereliefsoughtbytheplaintiff.183Thehearingofficershallenteronthepetitionformthefindingsandanyprotectionordermadeorotheractiontaken.184

Expirationandcertifyingtheordertocourtofcommonpleas

Emergencyordersexpireattheendofthenextbusinessdaythecourtdeemsitselfavailable.185Any emergency PSVI orders entered, as well as any documentation, shall be immediatelycertified to the court.186 Certification to the court shall have the effect of commencingproceedingsundertheAct.187Inadditiontocertifyingtheordertothecourtofcommonpleas,thehearingofficerSHALLPROVIDETHEPLAINTIFFWITH INSTRUCTIONSREGARDINGTHECOMMENCEMENTOF THE PROCEEDINGS IN THE COURT AT THE BEGINNING OF THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY AND REGARDING THEPROCEDURES FOR INITIATING A CONTEMPT CHARGE should the defendant violate the emergencyorder.188Hearingofficersshallalsoadviseplaintiffsoftheexistenceofrapecrisiscentersinthecase of sexual violence and inform the plaintiff of the availability of legal assistancewithoutcostiftheyareunabletopay.189

Service

Althoughemergencyordersareinplaceforashortperiodoftimetheyarestillrequiredtobeserved.Thehearingofficer,orwhennecessarytheplaintiff,shallimmediatelydeliveraservicecopyofanyprotectionordertoapoliceofficer,policedepartment,sherifforcertifiedconstablefor service upon the defendant and execution.190 After making reasonable effort, if theexecutingofficerisunabletoservetheprotectionorderuponthedefendantinatimelyfashion,theexecutingofficershall leaveaservicecopyofthepetitionformcontainingtheorderwiththepolicedepartmentwith jurisdictionoverthearea inwhichtheplaintiffresidesforserviceuponthedefendantandshalladvisethepolicedepartmentthattheorderwasnotabletobe

181Id.18242PA.C.S.§62A08(a)(1).18342PA.C.S.§62A08(a)(2).184PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1208(B).18542PA.C.S.§62A08(b).18642PA.C.S.§62A08(c).187Id.18842PA.C.S.§62A08(d).189Id.190PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1209(A).


served.191Hearingofficersshallalso,withintwobusinessdays,servetheorderuponthepolicedepartment,sheriffanddistrictattorneyinthejurisdictionwheretheorderwasentered.192Inthe case of aminor victim of sexual violence, a copy of the petition and order needs to beserveduponthecountychildrenandyouthagencyaswellasthePennsylvaniaDepartmentofHumanServices.193

VictimsafetywhenemergencyPSVIordersaredenied

If the courtmustdenyanemergencyorder request, it is important for the court to give theplaintiff a chance to plan how best to stay safe and determine whether to proceed with atemporaryorder.Thebestway toaccomplish this isbyprovidingvictimswitha referral toalocalsexualassaultprogramthatcanprovidetheseservices.Otherwise,thecourt’sdenialmayplaceavictimatriskbyleavingthevictimwithoutcourt-orderedprotectionwhileadvisingtheperpetratorthatthevictimispubliclyseekinghelpandchallengingtheperpetrator’sauthority.

AvictimmaychoosetoproceedwiththeircasebypetitioningforatemporaryPSVIinthecourtofcommonpleas. If so,certifying thedenialorder to theprothonotarycouldassist thecourtadministratively.Itisalsogoodpracticetoprovidetheplaintiffwithinstructionsregardingthecommencementof theproceedings in thecourtat thebeginningof thenextbusinessdayaswellasreferralstorapecrisiscentersinthecaseofsexualviolence.194

WhenthevictimdecidesnottopursueatemporaryPFAorder,thecourtisundernoobligationto certify thedenialorder. ThePSVIActand theRulesofCivil Procedureare silentas to thepost-denialprocedure.

TemporaryPSVIProceedingsIfaplaintiffseeksatemporaryPSVIorderforprotectionfromimmediateandpresentdanger,thecourtof commonpleas shall conductanexparteproceeding.195 That courtmayenteratemporary order as it deemsnecessary to protect the plaintiff or another individualwhen itfinds that the plaintiff is in immediate and present danger from the defendant.196 Thetemporaryorderremainsineffectuntilmodifiedorterminatedbythecourtafternoticeandahearing.197

191Id.192PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1209(B)(1).193PA.R.C.P.M.D.J.NO.1209(B)(2).19442PA.C.S.§62A09(d).19542PA.C.S.§62A06(b).196Id.197Id.


FinalPSVIProceedingsWithin10businessdaysof the filingofapetitionunder thePSVIAct,ahearingshallbeheldbeforethecourtofcommonpleaswheretheplaintiffassertsthattheyareavictimofsexualviolence or intimidation committed by the defendant; and proves by preponderance of theevidencethattheplaintiffisatcontinuedriskofharmfromthedefendant.198

ViolationofaPSVIOrderAnarrest foraviolationofaPSVIordermaybemadewithoutwarrantuponprobablecause,whetherornottheviolationiscommittedinthepresenceoflawenforcement.199Subsequentto thearrest, thedefendant shallbe takenbefore thecourt in the judicialdistrictwhere thecontempt is alleged to have occurred.200 When the common pleas court is unavailable, lawenforcementshalltransportthedefendanttoamagisterialdistrict judge.201 Defendantsshallbeaffordedapreliminaryarraignmentwithoutunnecessarydelay.202

Hearingsontheindirectcriminalcontemptviolationshallbescheduledwithin10businessdaysof the filing of the charge or complaint of indirect criminal contempt.203 A sentence for anindirectcriminalcontemptmayincludeafineofnotlessthan$300ormorethana$1,000andimprisonmentorsupervisedprobationnottoexceedsixmonths.204

VictimProtectionsAvailableRegardlessofImmigrationStatusThe Pennsylvania Protection fromAbuse (PFA) Act and federal Violence AgainstWomenAct(VAWA) provide access to relief for individuals abused by a family or household memberREGARDLESSOFTHEIRIMMIGRATIONSTATUS.

U.S. immigration lawsplace thenon-citizen’sopportunity togain legal status in thehandsofher citizen or permanent resident spouse. The threat or fear of deportation often detersdomesticviolencevictimsfromtakingactionstoprotectthemselvesandtheirchildrensuchasfiling foraprotectionorder, filingcriminalcharges,orcalling thepolice.205TheU.S.HouseofRepresentativesCommitteeonthe Judiciary,whiledraftingVAWA1994, foundthatdomesticviolencewasgreaterinmarriageswherethenon-citizenspouse’slegalstatusdependedonhermarriagetotheabuser.206

19842PA.C.S.§62A07(b)(1)(2).19942PA.C.S.§62A12(a).20042PA.C.S.§62A12(b)(1).20142PA.C.S.§62A12(b)(2).20242PA.C.S.§62A12(c).20342PA.C.S.§62A12(e).20442PA.C.S.§62A12(d)(2)(i)(ii).205H.R.REP.NO.103-395,at26-27(1993).206H.R.REP.NO.103-395,at26(1993);LeslyeE.Orloff&JaniceV.Kaguyutan,OfferingaHelpingHand:LegalProtectionsforBatteredImmigrantWomen,10AM.U.J.GENDERSOC.POL’Y&L.95,110(2002).


Whethermarried or not, immigrant victims of domestic violence face barrierswhen seekingprotectionsthatarelegallyduetothem,asresearchersexplain:

[T]he experiences of immigrant women in domestic violence situations are oftenexacerbated by their specific position as immigrants, including limited host-languageskills, lackofaccesstodignifiedjobs,uncertainlegalstatuses,andexperiencesintheirhome countries, and thus their alternatives to living with their abusers are verylimited.207

Forthesereasons,itisparticularlyimportantthatjudgesplayaroleinassuringthattheircourtsareaccessibletoallvictimsofdomesticviolenceabusedinorlivingintheirjurisdiction,withoutregardtotheimmigrationstatus,nationalorigin,orlanguage.208

PlanningforLitigantswithLimitedEnglishProficiency(LEP)At least 172 languages are spoken in Pennsylvania, including Spanish, Chinese, German,Vietnamese, Russian, Arabic, Polish and Hindi,209 according to 2010 U.S. census data.210 ThefairnessofPennsylvaniacourtsdependsoneveryonebeingable toknowwhat isgoingon incourt,whetherapersonisthevictim,theaccused,orawitness.

BothfederalandstatelawsgovernlanguageaccesstoprohibitnationalorigindiscriminationinPennsylvaniacourts.211TheAdministrativeOfficeofPennsylvaniaCourts,throughdistrictcourtadministrators,implementspoliciesandprocedurestoprovideinterpretersinlegalproceedingsforthefollowingpeople:

• thosewithlimitedEnglishproficiency(LEP)212• thosewhoareDeaforhardofhearing213

207Meníivar,CeciliaandOliciaSalcido,ImmigrantWomenandDomesticViolence:CommonExperiencesInDifferentCountries,16GENDER&SOCIETY902(2002),availableathttps://www.researchgate.net/profile/Cecilia_Menjivar/publication/249667176_Immigrant_Women_and_Domestic_ViolenceCommon_Experiences_in_Different_Countries/links/54c672bc0cf2911c7a58dbaa.pdfcitingHass,GiselleAguilar,Mary-AnnDutton,andLeslyeE.Orloff,LifetimePrevalenceofViolenceAgainstLatinaImmigrants:LegalandPolicyImplications,7INT’LREV.OFVICTIMOLOGY93-113(2000). 208See42U.S.C.§2000d;ExecutiveOrder13166(federalrequirementsonlanguageaccesstoLimitedEnglishProficiencypersons).209Eachoftheselanguagesisspokenbyatleast20,000peopleinPennsylvania.Id.210U.S.CensusBureau,Table39.DetailedLanguagesSpokenatHomeandAbilitytoSpeakEnglishforthePopulation5YearsandOverforPennsylvania:2009-2013(2015),http://www.census.gov/data/tables/2013/demo/2009-2013-lang-tables.html211TitleIVoftheCivilRightsActandtheSafeStreetsActof1968prohibitnationalorigindiscriminationbyrecipientsoffederalfinancialassistance.42U.S.C.§2000detseq.(TitleVI);42U.S.C.§3798(c)(SafeStreetsAct).Theselawsrequirethatanyorganizationreceivingfederalfunds,likecourts,developandimplementpoliciesthatensuremeaningfulaccessforLEPpersonsfortheirprogramsandactivities.Failingtodosoisaformofnationalorigindiscrimination.Lauv.Nichols,414U.S.563(1974).212See42PA.C.S.§4411–4417(relatingtopersonswithlimitedEnglishproficiency).


PennsylvaniaLawsAboutInterpretersMagisterialdistrict judges come to know thepredominantethnic communitieswhoare theirconstituents and can plan for their needs. Pennsylvania's InterpreterStatute214and Regulations215listhowcourtsshoulduseinterpretersforarrests,trials,hearings,and other proceedings. They describe how courts can find qualified and certifiedinterpreters.216

In 2015, all judicial districts drafted preliminary language access plans and each districtappointedalanguageaccesscoordinatortooverseetheprovisionoflanguageaccessservicesin their courts. Lower courts, however, may face greater challenges with language accessissues, including less access to resources. Magisterial district judges handle many matters,includingEmergencyProtectionFromAbuseactionsthatoccurafterbusinesshourswhentheywouldbeunabletoenlisttheassistanceoftheirlanguageaccesscoordinator.Guidancefromthe AOPC hasmade it clear that LEP policies apply to all Pennsylvania courts and tribunals.Planningandimplementationoflanguageaccesspoliciesforlowercourtsmaymeritadditionalattention.6

RequestingCertifiedInterpretersTheCourtInterpreterActstatesthatthecourtcanappointcertifiedinterpretersforLEPordeafparties, witnesses and certain others for “all judicial proceedings.”217 Such interpreters arecertified in the required language and,most importantly, their understandingof legal terms.Certifiedinterpretersalsoagreetoethicsrules,suchastranslatingword-for-wordratherthansummarizingwhatsomeonesays.218TheInterpreterCertificationProgrammaintainsacurrentlistofcertifiedinterpreters.219

Courtscanappointan interpreteruponrequestorsuasponte, if thecourtdetermines thataprincipal party in interest or witness has a limited ability to speak or understand English.11Courtscanalsoappointaninterpreterorprovideforadditionalinterpretationforanimmediatefamilymember of a principal party in interest.12 To request an interpreter, the courts cancontactthelanguageaccesscoordinatorforthejudicialdistrict.Interpreterrequestformsare

213See42PA.C.S.§4431–4438(relatingtopersonswhoareDeaf),http://www.pacourts.us/assets/files/setting-1698/file-225.pdf214Title42,Ch.44(B),availableathttp://www.pacourts.us/assets/files/setting-1698/file-225.pdf215Title42,Ch.44(C),http://www.pacourts.us/assets/files/setting-2936/file-231.pdf216 Administrative Offices of Pennsylvania Courts - Court Interpreter Program Interpreter Roster;http://www.pacourts.us/judicial-administration/court-programs/interpreter-program21742PA.C.S.§4401.218SupremeCourtofPennsylvania,AdministrativeOfficeofPennsylvaniaCourts,InterpreterCertificationProgramGuidelinesfortheProcurementandAppointmentofInterpreters,[hereinafterICPGuidelines],AppendixA:AppointmentofInterpretersbyCaseandCertificationLevel,March27,2013,at4,http://www.pacourts.us/assets/files/setting-410/file-229.pdf-search="modelvoirdire"219AOPCInterpreterRoster,supranote216.


available at this link: http://www.pacourts.us/judicial-administration/court-programs/interpreter-program

Family,FriendsandOthersareUnacceptableInterpretersSometimes courts use family and friends of the victim or abuser to interpret during legalproceedings.Volunteerinterpreterscanbeapoorchoiceformanyreasons.Familymembersorfriends can have feelings in favor of or against the victim or abuser. Even when volunteerinterpreters understand and speak English better than the parties, they can misunderstandimportant legal terms. Interpreterswhoarenotcertifiedmay insertadviceorextra languageinto their translation. Certified interpreters must keep conversations that they translatebetweenavictimanddomesticviolenceadvocateconfidential,andtheycan'ttestifyaboutitincourt.220Avolunteerinterpreterisnotrequiredtokeepconversationsconfidential,whichcancompromiseavictim'slegalrights.

Infact,AOPCpolicystates:Under no circumstances should the presiding judicial officer appoint any of thefollowingtoserveasaninterpreter:• FamilymemberoftheLEP,deaforhard-of-hearingperson• Witnessorpartytothecase• Lawenforcementofficerssuchaspolice,sheriff’sdeputies,orconstables• Socialworker,counselororhealthprofessionalinvolvedinthecase• Personswhomayhavean interestorperceived interest intheoutcometothe

case.13

BilingualProtectionOrderFormsBilingual forms for PFA and PSVI orders are available from the Unified Judicial System ofPennsylvaniawebsiteat:http://www.pacourts.us/forms/for-the-judiciary. Sample EPFA petitions in Spanish andEnglishareincludedattheendofthischapterforconvenience.

PFA documents are also available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Khmer, Korean,Polish,Portuguese,Russian,SpanishandVietnamese.FormsforRelieffromSexualViolenceorIntimidationordersareavailableinSpanish.CriminalProtectiveOrderdocumentsareavailableinChinese,Khmer,Russian,SpanishandVietnamese.221

22042PA.C.S.§4415.221MoreinformationaboutLanguageAccesscanbefoundintheJune2016issueofTHEJURIST:E-NEWSLETTERFORPENNSYLVANIAJUDGES,availableathttp://www.pcadv.org/Learn-More/PCADV-Publications/Newsletters/Jurist/


TelephonicInterpretersMayBeUsedAfter the non-English form is completed, the petitioner’s answers must be interpreted intoEnglish. Unless a certified interpreter is immediately available in-person, court personnelassistingtheLEPindividualmustcontactthetelephoneinterpretingservice,whichisdesignatedintheirlocallanguageaccessplan.Itisgoodpracticetohavethistelephonenumberpostedbythephones in areaswhere litigants are interviewed. The telephone interpreter can translateinto English what the LEP individual wrote in response to the petition’s questions. Becausecourts have access to telephonic interpretation, there is no reason why litigants with LEPcannotbe fully assisted to access safety and justice through the courts. Courtpersonnel canturntothe languageaccesscoordinator forprotocolsandtoolstoserve litigantswith limitedEnglishproficiency.

CostsofInterpreterServicesThecostoftheinterpreterwillbepaidbythecountywherethecourthasjurisdictionwhenthepersonwithlimitedEnglishproficiencyisoneofthefollowing:

• Defendant,partyoradirectvictiminajudicialproceedingforacriminalmatterorjuvenileproceeding222

• Witnessinajudicialproceedingforacriminalmatter223

FormoreinformationfromtheAOPC,seetheCourtInterpreterProgramwebsite,andtheMay3,2016Memo:RecommendationsRegardingLEPLitigantsandProtectivePetitions&Orders.224

ProSePracticeToolsInadditiontotheformsthatmustbemadeavailablepursuanttothePFAandPSVIActs,somecourtsmake additional written information available, such as legal information, informationregarding court processes and procedures, expected courtroom demeanor, and the like.Information ismade available to plaintiffs anddefendants. Judgesmay find that the processrunsmore smoothlywhenunrepresented litigantsaregivenadequate informationabout theproceedingsinadvance.

ItisalsoimportanttobrieflynotethattheRulesofCivilProcedurerequireprosepartiestofilean Entry of Appearance listing any prior representation and a location where the court isauthorizedtosendcorrespondence.225Aprosepartymaylistanalternativeaddress,whichisparticularly important for victims of domestic violence who are residing at a confidential

22242PA.C.S.§4416(b).22342PA.C.S.§4416(c).224http://www.pacourts.us/judicial-administration/court-programs/interpreter-program; http://pubs.pcadv.net/palegal/LEPrecommdPFApsvi_AOPC_030516.pdf225PA.R.CIV.P.1930.8.


location. Seea sampleEntryofAppearance form,whichprovides clear instruction regardingtheuseofanalternativeaddress.

ThecourtmaymakeavailablethefollowingSampleFactSheetstolitigantsaboutthePFAActandcomplyingwithno-contactorders:

ThePFAAct:AGuideforVictimsofDomesticViolence

No-ContactOrderInformationforDefendantsinaPFAOrder

ImportanceofJudicial/CourtStaffDemeanorVictimsofdomesticviolencemaybeveryfrightenedandemotional.Theymaybeembarrassedand ashamed about their situation. Although working in a domestic violence court ischallenginglaborforthosewhodoso,takinginterestineachcase,andmaintainingarespectfulandappropriatedemeanoraresomeofthemost importantthings judgesandcourtstaffcando.

Leaving a violenthome is a process, not a single act. Some studies indicate that it takes thevictimanaverageof sixattemptsat separatingbefore thisgoal isaccomplished.Each timeavictimseparatesfromtheabuser,thevictimgainsadditionalinformationandstrength.Askingthecourtforhelpisonewaytostoptheabuseandviolence,butnottheonlyway,andmaybenotthewaythatworksbestatthemoment.Victimsconstantlynegotiatewaystostaysafeandprotect their children. Sometimes that means that the victim returns to the abuser aftersuccessfully seeking help from the justice system. Perhaps the court’s protection worked tostoptheviolence,orthevictimreturnedtoprotectchildrenorpets.Manysafetycalculationsgointothedecisionstopetitionfor,pursueorwithdrawaprotectionorder.

ItisimportanttorememberthatitisapositivereflectiononthecourtandthecourtemployeesifavictimreturnstothecourtagaintoaccesstheprotectionsofthePFAAct.Domesticviolencevictimswill return forhelpwith theirprocessofbecomingsafeand independentwhencourtpersonnelarewelcomingandhelpful.


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AbusiveBehaviorsChecklistNOTE:ThefollowingisasamplechecklistforcourtstomakeavailabletoPFAlitigants.CourtsusingthisformallowthePFAplaintifftoattachthechecklisttothePFAcomplaint.

WegratefullyacknowledgeTheHon.ThomasKingKistler,CentreCountyCourtofCommonPleas,forprovidinguswiththissamplechecklistandpermissiontoreprintithere.

AbusiveBehaviorsTypeofAbuse Location(s)where

abuseoccurredDate(s)ofincidents

Physicalinjuries,ifany

Policecontact?

Threatening/harassingphonecalls

Threatbyphysicalorsexualabuseofchildren

Threatbydisplayingorpointingweapon,accesstoweapons

Threatbycrueltytoanimals Throwingthingsatorinthedirectionofthevictim

Grabbing

Shovingorpushing Forcingsexualcontact Physicallyabusingchildreninhousehold

Sexuallyabusingchildreninhousehold

Slapping(withopenhand) Punching(withclosedfist) Kicking Usingaweapon(includingbutnotlimitedtoafirearm)

Biting Chokingorstrangling(anygrabbingoftheneck)

Beating Forcingtostayincloset,room,homeorlocation

Physicallyrestraining/holdingdownthevictim

**Threattoinjureself/others**Threatbyfollowing**Threatbydamagetoproperty**Namecalling/directeduseofobscenities

*Indicatesbehaviors,whichalonemaynotconstitutephysicalabuse,butmaybeusedtoinduceand/orheightenfearinvictim.

Signature______________________________ Date____________________


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ProtectionFromAbuseOrderBenchcard

http://pubs.pcadv.net/palegal/BNCD_PFAbenchcard2006_04082015.pdf


PetitionforEmergencyReliefFromAbuse(PFAPetition)–English

http://www.pacourts.us/assets/files/setting-3207/file-2809.pdf?cb=e56e79


PetitionforEmergencyReliefFromAbuse(PFAPetition)–Spanish

http://www.pacourts.us/assets/files/setting-3207/file-3825.pdf?cb=44ff0e


ProtectionFromSexualViolenceandIntimidationActBenchcard

http://www.pcadv.org/Resources/BNCD_SVPO_benchcard_03262015b.pdf


ProcessFlowchart–ProtectionFromAbuseorProtectionFromSexualViolenceandIntimidation

http://www.pcadv.org/Resources/PSVIprocess_flochrt_07223015.pdf


PetitionforEmergencyReliefFromSexualViolenceorIntimidation-English

http://www.pacourts.us/assets/files/setting-4276/file-4531.pdf?cb=78d4d1


PetitionforEmergencyReliefFromSexualViolenceorIntimidation–Spanish

http://www.pacourts.us/assets/files/setting-4276/file-4532.pdf?cb=cca07c


TheProtectionFromAbuseAct,23Pa.C.S.§6101etseq.Annotated

http://pubs.pcadv.net/palegal/PFAActAnnot_LATEST.pdf

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