Coleen Christian and Fred Harran: Working together to protect Bucks County families
There are moments in public service that transcend routine. For us, few are as profound as witnessing the quiet strength of someone stepping forward, often in fear, after experiencing violence, to seek a protection from abuse (PFA) order. The PFA is not just a legal filing; it’s a plea for safety and a hope for a new beginning. In Bucks County, addressing that call for help is a shared mission, one that binds the offices of the prothonotary and the sheriff.
Imagine a neighbor, a friend, or perhaps even a family member, whose life has been overshadowed by domestic violence. Every day has been an agonizing tightrope walk between silence and the terrifying leap toward freedom. When they finally make that leap, their first step, often with trembling hands, brings them to the Prothonotary’s Office.
For many, the word “prothonotary” might sound unfamiliar, a relic from ancient legal traditions. But in essence, the office serves as the chief clerk of the Civil Division of the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas. It is the official keeper of the county’s civil and family court records — the centralized archive for everything from divorces and custody disputes to property liens, civil lawsuits, and, crucially, protection from abuse orders. The Prothonotary’s Office is staffed by a dedicated team, trained for such delicate situations with empathy and urgency, guiding individuals through the application process for a PFA. The prothonotary staff understands the immediate danger and we often see urgency in the eyes of the applicants. This is why we prioritize the swift processing of PFA applications, frequently resulting in temporary PFA’s being granted within hours. This rapid legal action creates a vital shield, and every word, every signature, every court order is meticulously recorded and preserved by our prothonotary, forming the unshakeable foundation in a victim’s journey to safety.
But a piece of paper, no matter how legally binding, is only as strong as its enforcement. That’s where the Buck’s County Sheriff’s Office steps in, with a profound sense of duty and vigilance. Once that PFA order, whether temporary or final, is signed by a judge, it becomes an immediate, non-negotiable priority. Sheriff’s deputies, trained for both firmness and sensitivity, are dispatched to personally serve that order on the defendant. This isn’t just delivering a legal document; it’s delivering a clear, unmistakable message that the court’s authority, and the victim’s fundamental right to safety, are now in full effect.
The Sheriff’s work extends far beyond that initial service. A PFA order often means an abuser must vacate a shared home, or, critically, surrender their firearms. These are intensely vulnerable and volatile moments, and deputies manage these situations with unwavering professionalism, ensuring the victim’s safety remains paramount while ensuring weapons cannot be used to inflict further harm.
Furthermore, the Sheriff’s Office enforces the specific terms of the order, helping to create the physical space and peace of mind a survivor desperately needs. When a PFA is violated — a painful and dangerous occurrence — our commitment continues, working hand-in-hand with local police departments to ensure consequences are swift and justice is unequivocally served. Sheriff’s deputies maintain a calm and secure environment within the courthouse itself, understanding the heightened emotions during PFA hearings.
The PFA process isn’t just about two separate government offices performing their duties; it’s about a seamless, coordinated effort that puts the victim at the absolute center of our shared mission. Our teams communicate constantly, ensuring that the critical legal steps taken in the Prothonotary’s Office are met with effective action by the Sheriff’s deputies. We also rely heavily on our invaluable partners — both inside and outside government — whose advocates walk alongside victims, offering essential support that extends far beyond the courtroom doors, from counseling to safe housing.
In Bucks County, we believe that no one should ever have to endure domestic abuse in silence. The legal framework for protection exists, it is robust, and we are committed to making that system work for you. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please understand that reaching out is an act of immense strength. We are here, ready to listen, ready to help you navigate this path, and ready to provide the protection you deserve.
Together, we are building a safer, more secure community, one life, free from fear and violence, at a time.
Coleen Christian is Bucks County’s prothonotary. Fred Harran is Bucks County’s sheriff. Both were elected in 2022.
