NEW LEGISLATION AIMS TO LESSEN BURDEN FOR ABUSE VICTIMS

A group of Pennsylvania state legislators has announced plans for new laws that would change court rules that they say would lessen the burden for domestic violence victims. Under current law, victims of domestic abuse may seek emergency Protection from Abuse Orders from a judge after regular business hours. The emergency relief, however, expires at the close of the next business day. But three representatives want rules changed to allow victims to keep protective orders in place with fewer trips to court. Their proposal would allow county courts to adopt rules to keep temporary P-F-As active up to ten days before a hearing is held to determine if the order should be kept in place for more time after that.