What Qualifies as Domestic Violence in Delaware County?
Domestic violence in Delaware County is defined as one or more of the following acts committed between one family member, household members, or intimate partner against another:
- Attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury, rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault or incest with or without a deadly weapon.
2.) Placing another in reasonable fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
3.) The infliction of false imprisonment pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 2903 (relating to false imprisonment).
4.) Physically or sexually abusing minor children, including such terms as defined in Chapter 63 (relating to child protective services).
5.) Knowingly engaging in a course of conduct or repeatedly committing acts toward another person, including following the person, without proper authority, under circumstances which place the person in reasonable fear of bodily injury. The definition of this paragraph applies only to proceedings commenced under this title and is inapplicable to any criminal prosecutions commenced under Title 18 (relating to crimes and offenses).
Domestic violence in Delaware County includes behaviors that physically harm and arouse fear, including but not limited to physical and sexual violence, threats, intimidation, and emotional abuse. While the above acts can be independent forms of abuse, multiple acts can be occurring at any one time within the same intimate relationship.
Who Can Make A Claim Of Domestic Violence In Delaware County?
As stated above, domestic violence can occur between family members, household members, or intimate partner against another. However, when considering the parties in a domestic violence matter, it is important to remember that the catch-all term domestic violence can generally apply to any partners, married or unmarried, straight or gay, living together or simply dating and does not discriminate against race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender.
Regardless, domestic violence charges in Delaware County are extremely serious and should be handled by a lawyer with experience in the area.
What Are the Signs of Domestic Abuse?
Domestic violence does not look the same in every relationship, some of the most common signs of power and control over the other include:
- Shows signs of jealousy;
- Attempt to isolate you from friends & family;
- Insults, demeans, shames you with put-downs;
- Controls every penny spent in the household;
- Intimidates you with guns, knives, weapons or threats;
- Controls who you see, where you go, or what you do;
- Prevents you from making your own decisions;
- Tells you that you are a bad parent or threatens to harm or take away your children;
- Destroys your property; and
- Pressures you to have sex when you don’t want to or do things sexually.
Does There Need To Be Physical Abuse To Be Considered Domestic Abuse In Pennsylvania?
Physical abuse may be the easiest to see, however, the Court also considers emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse. Emotional abuse is a type of abuse that is emotional rather than physical in nature. While it may not leave you with physical scars, it can have a huge impact on your confidence and self-esteem.
Are You A Victim Of Domestic Abuse, Have Been Wrongfully Accused Of Domestic Abuse Or Are You In Contempt Of A Protection From Abuse Order?
Contact our firm, the Benari Law Group, domestic abuse lawyers in Delaware County, as soon as possible to speak with an attorney who specializes in protection from abuse matters at 610-566-1006 for a consultation.