Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Oct 23

In the past 10 years, more than 1,600 people have died from domestic violence-relatedincidents in Pennsylvania. The victims included women, children, and men of all ages, races,sexual orientations, and socio-economic groups. In 2019, 112 victims lost their lives to domesticviolence in Pennsylvania. This number includes 68 females and 44 males. In Pennsylvania, 1 in 4women and 1 in 7 men experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner.

Common signs of an abuse victim :

Their partner degrades them in front of other people
They are worried that they will make their partner angry
They make excuses for their partner ́s abusive behavior
Their partner is exhibits signs of jealously and possessive behavior
They have marks or bruises that are unexplained
They've become isolated from family and friends
They appear anxious, overwhelmed, or exhibiting signs of depression.

Chooing to leave an abusive partner can be a challenging ordeal for the victim. It can bringabout feelings of depression, anxiety, and fear of increased physical violence. Spousal abuse cantake shape not only physically but emotionally and financially as well. For these reasons,Governor Wolf signed in the HB12 law. The law establishes that if there is a PFA in place thatthe victim can file for divorce, bypassing mandated marital counseling, and granting a divorce in90 days.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, there is help available.Encourage the person to empower themselves and reach out to local domestic violence resourcecenters.

Turning Point of Lehigh Valley

Civil Legal Representation, Emergency Safe House

877-438-4957Allentown, PA

Women's Resources of Monroe County

Emergency Safe House, Sexual Assault Services

570-421-4200 Delaware Water Gap, PA

A Woman's Place

Emergency Safe House

800-220-8116Doylestown, PA

Laurel House

Emergency Safe House

800-642-3150 Norristown, PA