Domestic violence continues to be a serious problem in Pennsylvania as well as throughout the rest of the country. The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence reported 112 deaths attributed to domestic violence in Pennsylvania in 2021, with just over 60% of those victims being female. In addition, 40 perpetrators died, 29 of whom killed themselves.

Developing Better Conflict Resolution Skills Can Make a Difference

These grim statistics highlight how important it is to develop strong conflict resolution skills, particularly if you have found yourself in a situation that could lead to a violent confrontation with a significant other. If you are someone who finds themselves close to or past the breaking point when dealing with your significant other in stressful situations, contact a professional who can help you improve your conflict resolution skills as soon as possible.

There is no Shame in Getting Help

When we want to get in better shape, many of us find a trainer. If we want to improve our tennis game, we take lessons. When we struggled with algebra in high school, we got tutoring. Learning new techniques to help resolve interpersonal conflicts is no different from learning any other skill; while we might be able to teach ourselves from a book or a video, there is no substitute for one-on-one instruction.

Where to Find Help

Just as you look for a good fitness trainer, tennis pro, or math tutor when you need to improve in those areas, you want to find a professional who can help you (and often your significant other) develop the techniques and skills necessary to deal with conflict situations in a constructive and peaceful way. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania maintains a webpage with a number of links to organizations that can help you find the trained professional you need to develop stronger conflict resolution skills.

Legal Problems When Matters Escalate

If there have been violent incidents between you and your significant other in the course of your relationship, you may find yourself served with a Protection From Abuse order, or PFA. A PFA can greatly affect your everyday life in a number of ways. You may be prevented from living in your home and may not be able to retrieve your belongings from your old home. Your ability to visit your children may be restricted, even outside the home (such as at school or during sports events). You could be prevented from entering the workplace of the person who requested the PFA, even if you work together. And you may be required to pay support, including insurance and health care expenses, for the person requesting the PFA and for your children.

Seeking Professional Help is a Good Idea

If you are not yet at the point where you've been served with a PFA, but you've come close to or have been involved in violent disputes with your significant other, get help with your conflict resolution skills as soon as possible. If you've been served with a PFA, you also need the help of Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team. They have years of experience representing clients who have PFA-related issues in Pennsylvania and can advise you about how to manage life with a PFA. In addition, in situations where it appears that the PFA should not have been issued, they can help you take steps to have it modified or removed entirely. You can reach Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team online or by phone at 888.535.3686. Contact them today to learn how they can help.