Under the Protection from Abuse Act of 1976, abuse is defined as any of the following:

1. Attempting to, or intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury, serious bodily injury, rape, spousal sexual assault or involuntary deviate sexual intercourse,  with or without a deadly weapon.

2. Placing another  in fear of serious bodily injury.

3. False imprisonment as defined under the crimes code, and/or

4. Physically or sexually abusing minor children.

THE ACT DOES NOT COVER MENTAL OR EMOTIONAL ABUSE.