LASP Impact

After LASP secured a 1-year PFA: ‘The most peaceful year of my life’

(July 2024)

When an abusive ex-partner continued to harass and threaten Ms. G and her family, she was desperate to find help. After the police advised her to seek a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order, she found and contacted LASP (Legal Aid of Southeastern PA).

Ms. G spent years in an abusive relationship. She eventually was able to leave and find a new partner. She then spent years in a healthy marriage, working with her spouse to raise their child, who was born with a chronic illness. She would have been able to move past her prior relationship, except her abuser continued to harass her, threatening her family, and denigrating her child because of their illness. She was driven to contact the police about the abuse. They advised her to seek a PFA. Ms. G researched, then found and called LASP.

Ms. G’s LASP attorney reviewed the facts and years' worth of evidence of abuse that she had kept. LASP advocates counseled and prepared Ms. G for what would turn out to be multiple hearings, due to delays and motions from opposing counsel. At the final hearing, a LASP attorney secured a one-year PFA. After years of abuse in and out of the relationship, Ms. G and her family gained much-needed peace of mind.

In a note of gratitude Ms. G stated that since the day the order was finalized, she had “the most peaceful year of my life.”

Ms. G later wrote to LASP:

“I will never forget how scared, anxious and worried I felt as I searched online for a domestic violence attorney when I finally decided enough was enough. Fortunately, I came across your office. ...

“You guided me through the overwhelming process of filing a PFA, you reassured me, and comforted me and educated me about domestic violence. It took me years to even realize I was a victim of domestic violence, and I was unaware those years of abuse did not have a statute of limitations. Because of you, my family and I are now protected by our PFA order against my ex, and it feels like a weight has lifted off my shoulders. ...

“It is hard to even put into words how grateful we are, but from the bottom of our hearts. THANK YOU!!!!!! I will never forget you! The work you do for our community is truly amazing, and you should be honored. I wish you nothing but the absolute best.”

This is just one example of how LASP attorneys, volunteers, and donors make a difference in people’s lives. People turn to LASP in crisis, and our attorneys have the power to provide tangible relief. The generosity of our supporters not only helps neighbors overcome life-altering problems; it shows them the power of community.

*Name has been changed to protect client confidentiality.