Strategies for Addressing Domestic Violence in Family Law Cases
Oct. 28, 2025
Domestic violence cases are heartbreaking and often complicated experiences, especially when they involve family law matters. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and psychological abuse. It occurs within intimate relationships and can affect people from all backgrounds and demographics.
If you or a loved one are facing domestic violence in the context of a family law case, it is important to understand your legal rights and the available strategies for addressing this sensitive issue.
At Iwanyshyn & Associates, we strive to provide compassionate, personalized representation that prioritizes your safety and the well-being of your children. With years of experience, our attorney can help you explore strategies for addressing domestic violence within family law cases, providing insight into your rights and resources to help protect yourself and your loved ones.
An Overview of Domestic Violence in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law defines domestic violence as any abuse that occurs between family or household members, sexual or intimate partners, or people who have a child together. Domestic violence is not limited to physical harm. Instead, it can take many forms, including emotional, financial, or sexual abuse, as well as stalking or harassment.
In this context, domestic violence includes the following acts as outlined under the Pennsylvania Protection from Abuse Act (PFA):
Attempting to cause or intentionally causing bodily injury
Placing someone in fear of imminent serious bodily injury
False imprisonment
Sexual assault or abuse
Stalking
Recognizing what constitutes domestic violence is essential when taking steps to protect yourself and your family. If you’ve experienced domestic violence, your safety should be your top priority. Pennsylvania law provides legal avenues to support and protect victims.
Seek a Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order
One of the most vital strategies for handling domestic violence in family law cases is pursuing a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order. This legal document offers a shield against further abuse, and when issued, it can prohibit the abuser from contacting you, harassing you, or coming near your residence or place of work.
A PFA also has the authority to enforce temporary child custody arrangements, providing critical protections for your children during volatile times. At Iwanyshyn & Associates, we can walk you through the steps to file for a PFA. This process typically involves the following.
File a petition: You must provide details about the domestic abuse in a clear and concise manner. It’s critical to include specific instances of abuse, as this strengthens your case before the court.
Attend the temporary hearing: A judge may grant a temporary PFA order, which will remain in effect until the final PFA hearing.
Attend the final hearing: Both you and the other party will have the opportunity to present evidence and testimony, and the judge will determine whether to grant a final PFA order, which can last up to three years.
A PFA order not only provides immediate safety but can also play a key role in related family law cases, including custody and divorce proceedings.
Importance Documentation and Evidence
When addressing domestic violence in family law cases, you will need to provide thorough documentation. Pennsylvania judges rely on concrete evidence when issuing rulings in protection orders, custody, and divorce cases.
To strengthen your case, we recommend keeping detailed records of the following:
Medical reports and photographs that show the extent and severity of your injuries.
Police reports and witness statements that can corroborate your statements.
Any threatening messages, voicemails, or emails received from the abusing person.
Personal journals that you kept for documenting incidents of abuse.
By properly documenting your situation, you and your attorney can present a clear narrative to the court, which in turn, grants you a strong legal standing.
Domestic Violence and Child Custody
Domestic violence significantly impacts child custody proceedings in Pennsylvania. The courts make custody decisions based on a child’s best interests, and they take a parent’s history of abuse very seriously. When domestic violence allegations arise, the courts will evaluate how the abuse affects the child’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
The factors the court will typically consider in these cases include:
Evidence of the abuse, such as police reports, testimony, or PFA orders.
Whether the parent accused of domestic violence poses an ongoing risk to the child or the other parent.
The child’s potential exposure to a threatening or unsafe environment.
It’s critical to present compelling evidence to demonstrate how domestic violence has influenced your child’s safety and overall best interests. At our firm, we work closely with you to gather necessary documentation and build a strong case supporting their custody position.
Ultimately, the court may award sole custody to the non-abusive parent or implement supervised visitation for the abusive parent to protect the child's safety.
Domestic Violence and Divorce
Domestic violence can also complicate divorce proceedings, particularly in cases involving fault grounds for divorce. Pennsylvania is primarily a no-fault divorce state. However, victims of domestic violence may pursue at-fault divorce, citing cruel or barbarous treatment.
This type of divorce holds the abusive spouse accountable for their behavior and may influence other aspects of the divorce, such as alimony or property division.
Additionally, domestic violence can affect spousal support determinations. Pennsylvania courts have the discretion to consider whether one spouse caused the breakdown of the marriage through abusive behavior or criminal conduct when awarding spousal support or alimony.
At Iwanyshyn & Associates, we are experienced in helping domestic violence victims advocate for their financial stability during and after a divorce. Our goal it to help you pursue the resources you need to rebuild your life.
Collaborating with Resources and Support Services
Addressing domestic violence in family law cases often requires more than legal interventions. Combining legal strategies with community resources can significantly strengthen your overall safety and empowerment. Pennsylvania is home to various domestic violence support services offering shelters, counseling, and advocacy programs.
Organizations such as the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) provide vital resources to individuals experiencing domestic abuse. Additionally, our attorneys can refer you to trusted therapists, child psychologists, and financial advisors who can help you recover from the impacts of abuse.
By working as part of a multidisciplinary team, we strive to make sure you have access to the support you need outside of the courtroom. If you have been a victim of domestic violence, your safety and mental well-being are critical as you transition into a new chapter of life.
Experienced Domestic Violence Attorney in Allison Park, Pennsylvania
At Iwanyshyn & Associates, we are dedicated to protecting and advocating for victims of domestic violence. These cases require sensitivity, strategy, and a deep understanding of Pennsylvania law. At our firm, our focus is on providing compassionate, client-centered representation to help you explore your options and empower you to make informed decisions about your safety and well-being.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, it’s important to act swiftly and seek legal and emotional support. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Together, we will work to secure the safety and well-being of you and your family.