Montgomery County Domestic Violence Victims Can Serve Own Protection Orders

By Sheryl Rentz on July 24, 2008

A recent article in the Philadelphia Inquirer addressed a recent city council committee meeting where Pennsylvania’s system for serving protection-from-abuse orders was discussed. Unlike many other states, Pennsylvania domestic violence victims can serve their abusers with protection orders, although police officers remain the first choice for the task.

Advocates of the policy argue that victims of domestic violence in Philadelphia and other cities in Pennsylvania are the best judges of what action to take when it comes to serving protection orders. Victims can call 911 or go to a police station to have the orders served. Very often, police will gain valuable information by interviewing the victims, including details about the home, family relationships and children, and the nature of the abuser.

The article explains that of the roughly 14,000 emergency protection from abuse orders issued in Philadelphia each year, only about half are served by police, a surprisingly low number. The others are delivered from the court to the parties by private courier, family members, or the abused themselves. While this may seem dangerous, Nicole Lindemyer, counsel from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, testified that in some situations, letting police serve the order “may, in fact, increase the safety risks” to victims.

The filing of a restraining order can be a good first step in removing yourself from a dangerous family living situation. Pennsylvania family and criminal courts can serve protection from abuse orders to help protect the abused, but the process can be daunting and stressful. There are many variables involved when dealing with these volatile situations, variables that are best left to an experienced Pennsylvania Family Law attorney to handle.

Regardless of your legal case or particular circumstances if you are involved in or need to file a domestic abuse charge you should contact our offices for a free consultation. The Law Office of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C. has locations in Pennsylvania and have years of divorce law experience that you can trust. Contact us today for a free evaluation on your case.