October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Dads’ Resource Center Introduces Educational Video Series on Protection from Abuse (PFA) Orders to Promote Understanding and Compliance
State College, PA–October 15, 2018–In keeping with National Domestic Awareness Month, Dads’ Resource Center introduces an educational video series (PFAINFO.net) that discusses Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders featuring interviews with a sheriff, district judge, attorney and community counselor.
In Centre County alone, there are approximately 250 temporary PFA orders granted each year, and 1 in 5 orders are found to have been violated. In support of National Domestic Awareness Month, and to provide additional support to those who are served with PFA orders, the Dads’ Resource Center has developed a series of informational videos to promote understanding and compliance.
The four informational videos, set in interview style, discuss the following:
· Centre County Sheriff Bryan Sampsel talks about what to expect if you are served with a Protection From Abuse Order.
· Magisterial District Judge Kelley Gillette-Walker discusses the process of being served with a Protection From Abuse order and how to prepare for, and what to expect at, an initial hearing before a judge.
· Attorney Stephanie Cooper gives the perspective of PFAs from an attorney who practices criminal law and legal resources available to successfully follow a PFA.
· Brian Coval from Crossroad Counseling, Inc. talks about the benefits of counseling and outlines community resources available to those affected by PFA orders.
” PFAs are important interventions that keep people safe,” states Jeff Steiner, executive director of Dads’ Resource Center. “It is in everyone’s best interest if we can provide more support for those who are under the order of a PFA and help them make good choices to ensure the safety of everyone who is involved.”
While the videos mainly address the viewpoint of those individuals being served a PFA order, the series offers valuable information for those seeking, or considering, protection orders.
“PFA orders affect both parties and the Sheriff’s Department is concerned with both,” says Sheriff Sampsel. “We need those being served to take the PFA very seriously and to follow it to the letter, because the courts show no leniency for order violation. We hope the videos will help them stay out of trouble, because once the PFA is violated, it often starts a snowball effect from there.”
“We also want those being protected by the PFA to remain safe at all times,” Sampsel continued. “We all need to do what we can to reduce domestic violence incidents.”
The Video Production Class at Bellefonte Area School District, directed by Mrs. Cipro, helped with the PFA series by shooting and producing the videos.
About Dads’ Resource Center
The Dads’ Resource Center was founded by Dr. Joel N. Myers, AccuWeather Founder and Chairman in 2015. Its mission is to provide education, resources and advocacy for single fathers so they are able to fulfill their vital role in the well-being and healthy development of their children.