Protection From Abuse Act Case Study

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The Protection from Abuse Act, which is Chapter 5 in the Alabama Law, was passed to assure victims of domestic violence the maximum protection from abuse that the law can provide. The law recognizes that domestic violence is a crime that will not be excused or tolerated. (The Alabama Legislature) As a social worker, it is our ethical responsibility to help the most vulnerable and oppressed populations. The Protection from Abuse Act is designed to help battered and abused women and men. A Protection from Abuse order (PFA) can be filed under the following relationships: spouse, former spouse, common-law former or current spouse, dating, relationship where the victim has a child with the alleged abuser, and/or a current or former household member. (The Alabama Legislature)
Domestic violence is a social problem that has been around for many years. However, more attention is being brought to the issue through social media. Domestic violence and intimate partner violence can include physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological violence. A
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My placement is at the Family Violence Center, where we provide confidential shelter for women and children fleeing from abusive relationships. Many of our clients through the Family Violence Center get a Protection from Abuse Order from their abuser. The YWCA has Court Advocates involved in our domestic violence services that will accompany the victim to court, and that will help guide her through the PFA process and other legal issues that may arise. As operators of the crisis line, counselors collaborate with the legal department at the YWCA, as well as the Family Court in Jefferson County. Many callers seeking a Protection from Abuse order are referred to Beth Caldwell at the Family Court. If the Protection from Abuse Act had not been enacted, it is quite possible that there would be an increase on homicides related to domestic