Pennsylvania Statutes Title 42 Pa.C.S.A. Judiciary and Judicial Procedure § 62A02. Findings and purpose

(1) Sexual violence is the most heinous crime against a person other than murder.

(2) Sexual violence and intimidation can inflict humiliation, degradation and terror on the victim.

(3) According to the Department of Justice, someone is sexually assaulted every two minutes in the United States.

(4) Rape is recognized as one of the most underreported crimes, and studies indicate that only one in three rapes is reported to law enforcement.

(5) Victims of sexual violence and intimidation desire safety and protection from future interactions with their offender, regardless of whether they seek criminal prosecution.

(6) This chapter provides the victim with a civil remedy requiring the offender to stay away from the victim, as well as other appropriate relief.