Pennsylvania Domestic Violence Deaths on the Rise

By Sheryl Rentz on August 8, 2008

This has been one of the deadliest summers when it comes to domestic violence in Pennsylvania. According to an article in the Daily American, 24 people have died in connection with domestic violence since June 22 in Pennsylvania. This is a huge spike in domestic violence deaths in the state, according to the report released by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

A majority of these incidents had to do with acts of violence involving family members attacking other family members, said Somerset County District Attorney Jerry Spangler. He said there has also been an increase in applications for protection from abuse orders and criminal prosecutions for people violating these orders. In 2006, there were a total of 127 domestic violence homicides in Pennsylvania. For more information about domestic violence statistics, please visit the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

If you have a domestic abuse or domestic violence situation at home, the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz offer free consultations with Pennsylvania domestic violence lawyers on what rights you have and what you can do about your situation. In many instances, you are entitled to significant benefits after a divorce if domestic abuse was taking place. You may be able to claim the house, finances, custody of children, bank accounts and/or stocks even if you were not the main breadwinner.

The first step you should take, however, as a victim of domestic abuse is to remove yourself and your children from such a dangerous situation. Filing a restraining order can be a good step in that direction, but it may not be sufficient. If you are a victim of domestic violence or abuse, please call our office to schedule your free consultation.