October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month.

State College-based Dad’s Resource Center introduced an educational video series that discusses Protection from Abuse (PFA) and features interviews with a district judge, attorney, sheriff, and a community counselor.

There are approximately 250 temporary PFA orders granted each year in Centre County, and one in five of those orders have been violated.

 The four informational videos, set in interview-style, discuss the following:
          -Centre County Sheriff Bryan Sampsel talks about what to expect if you are served with a Protection From Abuse Order.
          -Magisterial District Judge Kelley Gillette-Walker discusses the process of being served with a Protection From Abuse order and how to prepare for, and what to expect at, an initial hearing before a judge.
          -Attorney Stephanie Cooper gives the perspective of PFAs from an attorney who practices criminal law and legal resources available to successfully follow a PFA.
          -Brian Coval from Crossroad Counseling, Inc. talks about the benefits of counseling and outlines community resources available to those affected by PFA orders.

“We need those being served to take the PFA very seriously and to follow it to the letter, because the courts show no leniency for order violation,” said Sheriff Sampsel. “We hope the videos will help them stay out of trouble, because once the PFA is violated, it often starts a snowball effect from there.”

“We also want those being protected by the PFA to remain safe at all times,” said Sampsel. “We all need to do what we can to reduce domestic violence incidents.”