Alina’s Light is fighting for change. On January 14th, we had the honor of supporting Anita Kulik’s fight for Alina’s Law in Harrisburg. Alina’s Law, PA House Bill 588, aims to strengthen PFAs. Our law would transform them from a mere piece of paper to a lifesaving resort for victims of domestic violence. If stricter policies were in place two years ago, Alina would still be here. Although we cannot bring her back, we hope to save many lives in her honor. Women that would otherwise also be failed by the system. Women that are doing everything right. Your voice matters – contact your state representatives and express your support for Alina’s Law.

Thank you for your continued support.

Alina’s Law (Pennsylvania House Bill 588) will protect victims of domestic violence by giving the court a mechanism to enforce orders for Protection from Abuse (“PFA”). Presently, a PFA is a court order which, if violated, can result in fines and imprisonment. However, there is nothing physically stopping or discouraging a defendant from violating the order, and nothing guaranteeing that law enforcement will find out about a violation. Alina’s Law will create extra protections by allowing a judge presiding over PFA cases to evaluate whether the defendant is found to present a substantial risk of (1) violating the order, or (2) committing a crime against the victim punishable by imprisonment. Based on this assessment, the judge can order that the defendant be affixed with a device that will notify the local police and the victim if the defendant violates the PFA by entering into an area from which he has been excluded by the order. This will give the plaintiff the opportunity to get to safety. Further, once the order has been violated, the defendant’s location will be tracked until the police make contact with the defendant, the police determine the defendant is no longer a threat, and/or the defendant is arrested.