New Protection From Abuse Law
A new protection from abuse law has gone into effect. Under Title 42 Pa.C.S. 62A01(5)-(6), victims of intimidation and sexual violence who do not have family or household member relationship with the person are eligible to receive protection. Under the old law, the only people that could receive protection under the Act required to be spouses, ex spouses, parents children, and other persons related by blood, and/or former or current sexual partners.
This new law will give protection, not only for sexual violence but also for intimidation, to everyone and also will protect people even if criminal charges are not filed against the person.