Domestic Violence & Protection From Abuse

Legal Information

Other Children Problems

Frustrated Woman.

This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Domestic Violence and Protection From Abuse issues in Pennsylvania.

Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.

Find Legal Assistance to Get Protection from Domestic Violence

Click on the Find Legal Help tab above to locate a legal service provider to assist you in getting protection from domestic violence.

Find Your Local Domestic Violence Program - Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Help centers across the state provide free, confidential counseling, shelter, legal, and economic services for domestic violence victims and their children. Locate a center near you using your city or zip code; or your current location identified by your mobile device or computer.

PCAR Sexual Violence Legal Assistance Project

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) Sexual Violence Legal Assistance Project provides free and confidential trauma informed legal advice and short-term legal representation to victims of sexual assault, abuse, and harassment. The project is designed to fill existing gaps where local community legal services are unavailable. Priority is given to victims of non-intimate partner sexual assault.

The Protection From Sexual Violence and Intimidation Act

Information from the Pennsylvania Coalition on Domestic Violence about the Protection From Sexual Violence and Intimidation Act that went into effect on July 1, 2015. The Protection From Sexual Violence and Intimidation (PSVI) Act applies to adults and minors (children younger than age 18) who are victims of sexual violence, harassment, stalking, and intimidation when the person who is abusing them is not a member of their family or household.

Custody and Visitation Guide for Self-Represented Survivors of Domestic Violence

If you’re a domestic violence survivor with children and don’t have a lawyer, this guide from Philadelphia Legal Assistance can help you decide whether a divorce or custody case can help you. If so, it can help you follow the court rules and meet legal requirements, so you have the best chance at an outcome that is safe for you and your children. The guide contains general legal information applicable throughout Pennsylvania and specific information on procedures in Philadelphia.

Family Law Handbook

This handbook provides useful information about common Family Law issues. If you need Family Law help, this handbook has good suggestions about some of the most common areas of Family Law. This handbook also gives answers to commonly asked questions. (2021)

Housing Rights of Domestic Violence Survivors (Video)

This video from Neighborhood Legal Services Association discusses the federal housing rights of victims of domestic violence under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). August 2, 2011.

Megan's Law/Sex Offender Registration

Pennsylvania's Megan's Law requires the State Police to create and maintain a registry of persons who reside, or is transient, work/carry on a vocation, or attend school in the Commonwealth and who have either been convicted of, entered a plea of guilty to, or have been adjudicated delinquent of Certain Sexual Offenses in Pennsylvania or another jurisdiction.

Protection From Abuse

Information from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. on the protection available to you under the Pennsylvania Protection From Abuse Act.

Protection From Abuse (Central Pennsylvania)

Information from MidPenn Legal Services for victims of domestic violence on protection orders under a law called the Protection From Abuse Act.

Protection From Abuse Orders (PFA)

Domestic Violence/PFA Chapter of Family Law Handbook published by North Penn Legal Services. (2021)

Protection From Abuse (PFA)

This link will direct you to information on protection orders. It was prepared by Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid, who merged into a single program with Laurel Legal Services on July 1, 2023, and are now Summit Legal Aid

Protection Orders

This resource from the Pennsylvania Courts includes several videos including "How to file for a protection order in Pennsylvania"; "Recognizing the Signs of Abuse" and "Safety Planning". it also answers many frequently asked questions about Protection Orders in Pennsylvania.

Protection Orders: How to File for a Protection Order in Pennsylvania (Video)

This video from the Pennsylvania Courts provides detailed step-by-step instructions on how to file for a protection order. The video will prepare victims for what to expect when they file a protection order by offering a detailed description of each step involved in the filing process.

What is a Protection From Abuse Order (Video)

This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, describes what a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order is and how it can protect you and other family members. (August 2020). Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.

Carbon Court Self-Service - Protection From Abuse Services

Information on how to get a Protection From Abuse order in Carbon County.

Carbon Self Service Center - Forms

Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas

Dauphin County: How Can I Obtain a PFA

Information from the Dauphin County District Attorney on when you can get a Protection From Abuse Order and how to get one in Dauphin County.

Erie County - Protection From Abuse

Resources from the Erie County Office of Protection From Abuse on court procedures in Erie County, including Information on Protection From Abuse; Information on Protection From Intimidation; and Information on Protection From Sexual Violence.

Franklin County: Information for Victims of Domestic Violence

Information on services available and the process for obtaining a Protection From Abuse order in Fulton County.

Fulton County: Information for Victims of Domestic Violence

Information on services available to victims of domestic violence and on getting a Protection From Abuse order in Fulton County.

Lancaster County: Judge Henry S. Kenderdine Jr. Self Help Center

The Lancaster County Court Self Help Center opened in July, 2004. The main purpose of the Center is to provide one central location where self-represented litigants can obtain some of the information and forms that they may need to represent themselves in certain types of court actions.

Lancaster County: Protection From Abuse in Lancaster County

Information on Protection From Abuse and the procedures for filing an action including forms.

Lawrence County: PFA (Protection From Abuse) Coordinator/Lawyer Referral

The PFA Coordinator/Lawyer Referral is part of the Court Administration and is responsible for the processing of all Protection From Abuse Petitions, and is also the referral service for lawyers in Lawrence County.

Lehigh County: Protection From Abuse

Information Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas on the services provided by the Family Court office in Lehigh County.

Lycoming County Forms

On this page, you will find various Lycoming County Courts legal forms. These packets can also be found in the law library. The law library staff cannot provide legal advice, but they can assist in filling out the forms. Use the forms on this page at your own risk – as they may or may not be appropriate in your particular case. It is strongly recommended you seek legal advice and obtain the services of an attorney. Litigants representing themselves are held to the same standards as attorneys admitted to the bar of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Representing yourself does not exempt you from understanding and following state-wide and local rules of court.

Monroe County: Protection From Abuse

A PFA is a civil order of the Court available to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. It prohibits the offender from abusing, stalking, harassing, threatening or attempting to use physical force that would reasonably cause bodily injury to the victim. Information on how and where to File for a PFA Order in Monroe County.

Montgomery County: Protection From Abuse

Information on Protection From Abuse procedures in Montgomery County. To qualify for a Protection from Abuse order, there must be either a family relationship or an intimate relationship with the person from whom you want to file for protection. The Protection from Abuse Department is located on the first floor of the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown.

Northampton County: Protection From Abuse Information

Information on Protection From Abuse services in Northampton county. Under the Protection From Abuse Act, you may file for an order if the person who has or is trying to harm you is/was your spouse; was living with you in a common-law marriage or as your boyfriend/girlfriend; the parent of your child; your child; was a sexual or intimate partner; your parent; or related to you by blood or marriage.

Northumberland County Court Forms - Family, PFA, Custody

Court forms published on Northumberland County website.

PA Courts Public Access Policy - Filing Requirements in the Courts (Video)

Effective on January 6, 2018, a new Public Access Policy is in effect in Pennsylvania Courts. This policy imposes requirements on anyone filing court documents in the trial and appellate courts to safeguard information in the documents they file. The Pennsylvania Courts have released a series of videos that explain the judiciary’s new policy for protecting confidential information and the required steps you must take to protect that information when filing documents in the courts. This video provides an overview of the new requirements. Follow the link to view the entire series of videos.

Philadelphia County: Court Forms

Forms from the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia. Forms are available for the various divisions of the Court by clicking through the listings on the page.

Philadelphia County: Domestic Relations

Information on support procedures in Philadelphia County.

Philadelphia County: Domestic Relations Information Sheet

Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia for use in domestic relations proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.

Philadelphia County: Motion Cover Sheet

Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in family law proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. This is a cover sheet required by the Court when filing motions in court.

Philadelphia County: Petition for Contempt of Protection From Abuse Order (Philadelphia)

You can pursue a violation of a Protection from Abuse Order by filing a Civil Petition for Contempt of the protection order. This form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia should be used to start a Contempt of Protection From Abuse action in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia County: Petition to Extend Protection From Abuse Order (Philadelphia)

Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia for use in Protection From Abuse proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. This petition requests an extension of an existing Protection From Abuse Order.

Philadelphia County: Petition to Modify Protection From Abuse Order

Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia for use in Protection From Abuse proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. This form is used to request a modification or change in an existing Protection From Abuse Order.

Philadelphia County: Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (IFP)

Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. (2015)

Philadelphia County (PFA): Petition for Protection From Abuse Form

Forms from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia for use in filing a Protection From Abuse petition in Philadelphia courts.

Philadelphia County: Protection from Abuse in Philadelphia County

Information from the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association on how to obtain a Protection from Abuse Order in Philadelphia County.

Pike County: Pro Se Forms

Pro Se forms for use by unrepresented parties in the Court of Common Pleas of Pike County.

Potter County: Court Related Information and Forms

Court-related information and forms from the Judges Chamber of the Potter County Court of Common Pleas.

Protection Orders

This resource from the Pennsylvania Courts includes several videos including "How to file for a protection order in Pennsylvania"; "Recognizing the Signs of Abuse" and "Safety Planning". it also answers many frequently asked questions about Protection Orders in Pennsylvania.

Protection Orders: How to File for a Protection Order in Pennsylvania (Video)

This video from the Pennsylvania Courts provides detailed step-by-step instructions on how to file for a protection order. The video will prepare victims for what to expect when they file a protection order by offering a detailed description of each step involved in the filing process.

Warren and Forest Counties: Download Forms

Forms for use in the 37th Judicial District of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Warren and Forest Counties.

Westmoreland County Protection from Abuse Orders

Information about Protection From Abuse Laws and the the process for getting a protective order in Westmoreland County.

York County: Court Forms

The Court Forms section of the York County Court of Common Pleas offers popular forms provided by various Court and Court-related departments.

York County Protection From Abuse Office

This web page provides general information about the York County Protection From Abuse (PFA) Office as well as information about protection orders. Protection Orders include a Protection From Abuse (PFA), Protection From Intimidation (PFI) and Sexual Violence Protection (SVP). The PFA Office is located at the York County Judicial Center at 45 North George Street, York, PA 17401.

Dependable Access for Victimization Expenses (DAVE) Online Claim Filing System

This Victims Compensation Assistance Program helps victims of crime in Pennsylvania with expenses related to a crime. You may use this site to file a claim for compensation.

Local Forms and Self-Help Information

For local forms and information for your county, click the category listing that apply to your case to see the SELF-HELP FORMS AND INFORMATION. Counties are listed alphabetically after some generally applicable forms or you can set your location on the page to see only forms applicable for that location.

Domestic Violence and TANF Support Requirements

Information from the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association about the requirement that families who receive cash assistance from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) apply for child or spousal support unless excused for good cause. [PDF] (December 2021)

Philadelphia County: Protection from Abuse in Philadelphia County

Information from the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association on how to obtain a Protection from Abuse Order in Philadelphia County.

Protection from Abuse

Information on the Pennsylvania Protection from Abuse Act from the Erie County Bar Association. (June 2023)

Protection from Abuse

Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF] (February 2013)

Protection From Abuse in Philadelphia - Emergency Domestic Violence Orders

Information on the Philadelphia Emergency Domestic Violence site, which is responsible for issuance of Emergency Protection from Abuse Orders. It is located at the Criminal Justice Center, Room B-03 at 1301 Filbert St, Philadelphia, PA (215-683-7280). The office is open daily after 5 p.m. (until 8 a.m. when Family Court re-opens). It is open 24 hours on weekends and holidays. [PDF] (October 2022)

Megan's Law/Sex Offender Registration

Pennsylvania's Megan's Law requires the State Police to create and maintain a registry of persons who reside, or is transient, work/carry on a vocation, or attend school in the Commonwealth and who have either been convicted of, entered a plea of guilty to, or have been adjudicated delinquent of Certain Sexual Offenses in Pennsylvania or another jurisdiction.

PA Courts Public Access Policy - Filing Requirements in the Courts (Video)

Effective on January 6, 2018, a new Public Access Policy is in effect in Pennsylvania Courts. This policy imposes requirements on anyone filing court documents in the trial and appellate courts to safeguard information in the documents they file. The Pennsylvania Courts have released a series of videos that explain the judiciary’s new policy for protecting confidential information and the required steps you must take to protect that information when filing documents in the courts. This video provides an overview of the new requirements. Follow the link to view the entire series of videos.

Protection Orders

This resource from the Pennsylvania Courts includes several videos including "How to file for a protection order in Pennsylvania"; "Recognizing the Signs of Abuse" and "Safety Planning". it also answers many frequently asked questions about Protection Orders in Pennsylvania.

Protection Orders: How to File for a Protection Order in Pennsylvania (Video)

This video from the Pennsylvania Courts provides detailed step-by-step instructions on how to file for a protection order. The video will prepare victims for what to expect when they file a protection order by offering a detailed description of each step involved in the filing process.

Options for Civil Protection Orders in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, there are three different civil protection order options that offer victims of certain crimes relief from further harm from their perpetrator. Civil protection orders can be filed whether or not the incident has been reported to the police. If you are considering filing a civil protection order, you may find it helpful to contact your local sexual assault or domestic violence advocacy program, legal services, and/or an attorney to thoroughly review your options. This will outline the different options and which one might be best for your situation. (2024)

Local Forms and Self-Help Information

For local forms and information for your county, click the category listing that apply to your case to see the SELF-HELP FORMS AND INFORMATION. Counties are listed alphabetically after some generally applicable forms or you can set your location on the page to see only forms applicable for that location.

Allegheny County Court Family Division - Frequently Asked Questions

The Family Division of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas offers answers to many Frequently Asked Questions in the area of Custody; Dependency & Related Services; Divorce; Juvenile Delinquency and Probation; Paternity; Protection From Abuse (PFA); and Support.

Carbon Court Self-Service - Protection From Abuse Services

Information on how to get a Protection From Abuse order in Carbon County.

Carbon Self Service Center - Forms

Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas

Dauphin County: How Can I Obtain a PFA

Information from the Dauphin County District Attorney on when you can get a Protection From Abuse Order and how to get one in Dauphin County.

Dauphin County Self Help Center

Information on the Dauphin County Pro Se Litigant Self Help Center where forms and instructions are available.

Erie County - Protection From Abuse

Resources from the Erie County Office of Protection From Abuse on court procedures in Erie County, including Information on Protection From Abuse; Information on Protection From Intimidation; and Information on Protection From Sexual Violence.

Franklin County: Information for Victims of Domestic Violence

Information on services available and the process for obtaining a Protection From Abuse order in Fulton County.

Fulton County: Information for Victims of Domestic Violence

Information on services available to victims of domestic violence and on getting a Protection From Abuse order in Fulton County.

Warren and Forest Counties: Download Forms

Forms for use in the 37th Judicial District of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Warren and Forest Counties.

Lancaster County: Judge Henry S. Kenderdine Jr. Self Help Center

The Lancaster County Court Self Help Center opened in July, 2004. The main purpose of the Center is to provide one central location where self-represented litigants can obtain some of the information and forms that they may need to represent themselves in certain types of court actions.

Lancaster County: Protection From Abuse in Lancaster County

Information on Protection From Abuse and the procedures for filing an action including forms.

Lawrence County: PFA (Protection From Abuse) Coordinator/Lawyer Referral

The PFA Coordinator/Lawyer Referral is part of the Court Administration and is responsible for the processing of all Protection From Abuse Petitions, and is also the referral service for lawyers in Lawrence County.

Lehigh County: Protection From Abuse

Information Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas on the services provided by the Family Court office in Lehigh County.

Lycoming County Forms

On this page, you will find various Lycoming County Courts legal forms. These packets can also be found in the law library. The law library staff cannot provide legal advice, but they can assist in filling out the forms. Use the forms on this page at your own risk – as they may or may not be appropriate in your particular case. It is strongly recommended you seek legal advice and obtain the services of an attorney. Litigants representing themselves are held to the same standards as attorneys admitted to the bar of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Representing yourself does not exempt you from understanding and following state-wide and local rules of court.

Monroe County: Protection From Abuse

A PFA is a civil order of the Court available to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. It prohibits the offender from abusing, stalking, harassing, threatening or attempting to use physical force that would reasonably cause bodily injury to the victim. Information on how and where to File for a PFA Order in Monroe County.

Montgomery County: Protection From Abuse

Information on Protection From Abuse procedures in Montgomery County. To qualify for a Protection from Abuse order, there must be either a family relationship or an intimate relationship with the person from whom you want to file for protection. The Protection from Abuse Department is located on the first floor of the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown.

Northampton County: Protection From Abuse Information

Information on Protection From Abuse services in Northampton county. Under the Protection From Abuse Act, you may file for an order if the person who has or is trying to harm you is/was your spouse; was living with you in a common-law marriage or as your boyfriend/girlfriend; the parent of your child; your child; was a sexual or intimate partner; your parent; or related to you by blood or marriage.

Northumberland County Court Forms - Family, PFA, Custody

Court forms published on Northumberland County website.

Philadelphia County: Court Forms

Forms from the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia. Forms are available for the various divisions of the Court by clicking through the listings on the page.

Philadelphia County: Domestic Relations

Information on support procedures in Philadelphia County.

Philadelphia County: Domestic Relations Information Sheet

Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia for use in domestic relations proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.

Philadelphia County: Motion Cover Sheet

Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in family law proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. This is a cover sheet required by the Court when filing motions in court.

Philadelphia County: Petition for Contempt of Protection From Abuse Order (Philadelphia)

You can pursue a violation of a Protection from Abuse Order by filing a Civil Petition for Contempt of the protection order. This form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia should be used to start a Contempt of Protection From Abuse action in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia County: Petition to Extend Protection From Abuse Order (Philadelphia)

Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia for use in Protection From Abuse proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. This petition requests an extension of an existing Protection From Abuse Order.

Philadelphia County: Petition to Modify Protection From Abuse Order

Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia for use in Protection From Abuse proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. This form is used to request a modification or change in an existing Protection From Abuse Order.

Philadelphia County: Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (IFP)

Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. (2015)

Philadelphia County (PFA): Petition for Protection From Abuse Form

Forms from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia for use in filing a Protection From Abuse petition in Philadelphia courts.

Philadelphia County: Protection from Abuse in Philadelphia County

Information from the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association on how to obtain a Protection from Abuse Order in Philadelphia County.

Pike County: Pro Se Forms

Pro Se forms for use by unrepresented parties in the Court of Common Pleas of Pike County.

Potter County: Court Related Information and Forms

Court-related information and forms from the Judges Chamber of the Potter County Court of Common Pleas.

Warren and Forest Counties: Download Forms

Forms for use in the 37th Judicial District of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Warren and Forest Counties.

Westmoreland County Court Forms

Court Forms for use in the Westmoreland County Courts.

Westmoreland County Protection from Abuse Orders

Information about Protection From Abuse Laws and the the process for getting a protective order in Westmoreland County.

York County: Court Forms

The Court Forms section of the York County Court of Common Pleas offers popular forms provided by various Court and Court-related departments.

York County Protection From Abuse Office

This web page provides general information about the York County Protection From Abuse (PFA) Office as well as information about protection orders. Protection Orders include a Protection From Abuse (PFA), Protection From Intimidation (PFI) and Sexual Violence Protection (SVP). The PFA Office is located at the York County Judicial Center at 45 North George Street, York, PA 17401.

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