Domestic violence is a serious and underreported crime that claims thousands of lives every year. Statistics show that as many as 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced severe physical abuse or sexual abuse from a partner in their relationship.

For one Pennsylvania representative, the current laws protecting victims of domestic violence don't do enough. He has introduced legislation that will require people accused of domestic violence to have their location electronically monitored while they are under a restraining order.

Protection From Abuse Orders

For people in abusive relationships, filing a restraining order against their partner is an important first step. Known in Pennsylvania as a Protection From Abuse Order, or PFA, this order signed by a judge tells the abuser to cease contact with their victim or face legal consequences.

A judge can sign a PFA if they believe it is more likely than not that a person is being abused. Many people can request a PFA against an individual, including spouses, children, ex-partners, siblings, or household members. The judge can order the alleged abuser to stop contacting the victim, stay away from certain areas like the victim's home or workplace, and can prevent the abuser from seeing children that they share with the victim.

Adding More Protection To PFAs

Unfortunately, a piece of paper is often not enough to keep a motivated abuser from coming after their victim. Pennsylvania State Representative Scott Conklin, D-Centre, has proposed new legislation that will give people with PFAs more peace of mind.

Under his new bill, Conklin calls for electronic monitoring of abusers who are under a PFA order. With this law, the police and court system can track the movements of the abuser. If he or she goes to a restricted area, like the victim's house, the ankle monitor sends an alert to law enforcement.

Conklin's motivation for the bill stems from a personal tragedy. In 2018, a family friend was shot and killed by her estranged husband. Even though she had taken a restraining order out against him, he disguised himself, stalked her at work, and killed both her and himself at her workplace. Conklin believes that if the estranged husband had been put on electronic monitoring after the wife was granted the PFA, her murder would not have occurred.

Protecting Your Rights During A Domestic Violence Case

It remains to be seen in Rep. Conklin's bill will be approved in the state legislature. While the bill may have the potential to prevent tragedy, it could also restrict the freedoms of people who have been falsely accused of domestic violence.

At the LLF Law Firm, the Criminal Defense Team of experienced legal professionals understand that domestic violence charges can be complicated. If you have been accused of domestic violence, we can help you ensure that your rights are protected. Call 888.535.3686 or go online today to learn more about how we can help.