Protection Order Enforcement

The Protection Order Enforcement Project is a statewide initiative designed to provide training and technical assistance to counties throughout Pennsylvania in an effort to ensure that protection orders are enforced consistent with Pennsylvania law. As the result of Act 66 of 2005, the Protection From Abuse Act has been amended to provide enhanced protections for victims of domestic violence. Law enforcement, sheriffs, and prosecutors now have new tools for protecting victims and their children from further abuse. Through statewide, regional and local training, PCADV staff offers no-cost assistance to constituencies charged with the implementation of the Act.

In addition, six pilot sites representing the diversity of Pennsylvania´s 67 counties have been identified to receive more intensive services. In collaboration with these counties´ STOP implementation teams and Criminal Justice Advisory Boards, training and technical support will be geared to the unique issues of each of the six counties. Groups will be encouraged to meet collaboratively to address local arrest and enforcement issues, and will receive support in their efforts to review and update their local protocols for arrest and enforcement of protection orders.

A third component of this project will address Pennsylvaniaís underserved communities. At the state, regional and local level, as well as in the six pilot sites, training will be offered on the issues unique to identifying and serving those who traditionally do not seek, or cannot access, domestic violence services. At the conclusion of this 18-month project, a manual complete with resources and best practices in protection order enforcement will be available for distribution throughout the Commonwealth.