Stay-home orders prompted by COVID-19 raise the stress and risk levels of some individuals who might not feel safe at home.
For anyone feeling threatened or being abused at home: There is help.
Police are investigating and acting in response to reports, as they always have.
Resources remain in place for victims of domestic violence – children and adults.
If you or a member of your family are in danger, call for help.
Quarantine with family members does not mean that family and intimate partner crimes of violence or sexual abuse will not be investigated.
If you need help, call the police. If you are not fully comfortable or safe doing that, reach out to these agencies:
- Community Action Partnership Lancaster/Domestic Violence Services at https://caplanc.org/our-programs/safety-empowerment/
- YWCA’s Sexual Assault Counseling Center at https://ywcalancaster.org/wehearyou/
Also, if needed, you can apply for a protection from abuse order; a PFA is considered an emergency legal matter.
The Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas is open for new PFA petitions weekdays until 1:30 p.m.
Tell a deputy sheriff at the main door security point that you want to apply for a PFA.
For more information, call the Office of Bail Administration (717-295-3584) or Domestic Violence Legal Clinic (717-291-5826).
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright
