Apr 27, 2015 By Suzanne Elliott 3 min read

Allegheny County topped the state last year with 22 domestic violence related deaths, while Philadelphia County had 20.

These statistics were part of a domestic violence seminar that district judges Ron Arnoni and Guy Reschenthaler held April 23 at the Upper St. Clair Township Library, in conjunction with the Center for Victims, which has offices in Pittsburgh and McKeesport.

“We want the key takeaway from this (to be) that you have empowerment,” Reschenthaler said to the audience.

According to the Coalition Against Domestic Violence, there have been 1,678 domestic-violence-related deaths in Pennsylvania since 2004. Firearms were the weapon of choice, with nearly 53 percent of the victims shot. The next most common method of killing was stabbing, which accounted for 20 percent of victim deaths. Some examples of domestic violence incidents in the state include an elementary school teacher who was shot by her ex-husband while she played the organ during a church service, and a 20-year-old woman who was beaten, bludgeoned with a shovel, strangled and buried alive. An ex-girlfriend and her new partner were accused.

“Education and empowerment are the way to break the cycle,” said Arnoni, adding domestic violence can happen to anyone.

It is important to note that the abusive partner may not always inflict physical abuse. He or she could be insulting to their partner in public or private; have controlling behavior, like checking in constantly, being aggressive and extremely jealous, or even damage personal belongings.

If a person feels they are in an abusive relationship, they need to prepare to leave, said the Center for Victims, and have a bag with important personal papers ready. It usually takes the victim seven tries before he or she can leave an abusive relationship. This is also the most dangerous time in an abusive relationship, because the abuser will do anything to continue their cycle of power and control.

Both Reschenthaler and Arnoni said it is important to call the police if abuse is witnessed, and ask the victim if they are safe and need someone to talk to. The same holds true if a family member or friend is the abuser.

Both judges also said PFA – protection from abuse – orders are available. These include a temporary PFA, which lasts seven to 10 days and a final PFA, which can last up to three years. To get a PFA, the victim must have encountered physical or sexual abuse, threats, injuries, stalking, medical treatment, police calls, mental abuse, medical treatment, child abuse or threats of violence.

Violations of PFAs are subject to indirect criminal contempt, which can increase the order’s duration, a $1,000 fine and possibly up to six months jail time.