PALawHelp.org

Domestic Violence & Protection From Abuse

Legal Information > Information from Government Agencies

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

• Battered Spouse, Children & Parents - Immigrant Visa Petitions

  Information from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services about immigrant visa petitions under the Violence against Women Act (VAWA). VAWA allows certain spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens and certain spouses and children of permanent residents (Green Card holders) to file a petition for themselves, without the abuser's knowledge. This allows victims to seek both safety and independence from their abuser, who is not notified about the filing. Content Detail

  By:

  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

• Civil Protection Orders - Bilingual Forms

  Bilingual information and forms regarding obtaining protection through a Protection from Abuse Order or a Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence and/or Intimidation Order. Content Detail

  By:

  Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System

• Forms - Pennsylvania Courts

  Listing of forms available for use by the public in Pennsylvania Courts. Content Detail

  By:

  Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts

• Immigration Options for Victims of Crimes

  Brochure from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services providing information for Law Enforcement, Healthcare Providers, and Others on options for victims of crime. [PDF] Content Detail

  By:

  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

• Information on the Legal Rights Available to Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence in the United States and Facts about Immigrating on a Marriage-Based Visa

  This fact sheet from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will explain domestic violence and inform immigrants of their legal rights in the United States. Content Detail

  By:

  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

• 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 this 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. Content Detail

  By:

  Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts

• 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. Read More

  By:

  Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Westmoreland County: PFA (Protection from Abuse) and PSVI (Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation) Orders

  Information about Protection From Abuse and Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation Laws and the the process for getting a protective order in Westmoreland County. Content Detail

  By:

  Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas