PAVictimsHelp.org
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Getting a Protection From Abuse Order - Pennsylvania (Video)
This video from Philadelphia Legal Assistance explains the court process for obtaining a Protection From Abuse Order. The video is part of Philadelphia Legal Assistance's "Make Your Case" video series.
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: Help Is Just A Phone Call Away (Video)
This video from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence is a 2 1/2-minute primer on how domestic violence victims may obtain a protection-from-abuse court order against an abusive partner.
Your Detailed Rights as a Crime Victim
Descriptions of the rights you have as a victim of crime in Pennsylvania
What is a Protection From Abuse Order (Video)
This video describes what a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order is and how it can protect you and other family members. (August 2020)
DoD Safe Helpline
DoD Safe Helpline is the sole secure, confidential, and anonymous crisis support service specially designed for members of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault.
Getting a Protection From Abuse Order - Pennsylvania (Video)
This video from Philadelphia Legal Assistance explains the court process for obtaining a Protection From Abuse Order. The video is part of Philadelphia Legal Assistance's "Make Your Case" video series.
Protection From Abuse
Information from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. on the protection available to you under the Pennsylvania Protection From Abuse Act.
How to Collect Evidence of Domestic Violence: A Self-Help Guide
Evidence of abuse can help you to get a PFA or other protective order. This evidence may also be useful in other types of cases where domestic violence is relevant. This brochure offers tips on how to collect this evidence.
Is Domestic Violence A Problem For You? You Can Be Excused From Welfare Department Rules Because of Domestic Violence
Information and form to be used to request a waiver of Department of Human Services rules due to Domestic Violence.
Lawrence County: Criminal Justice Information for Domestic Violence Survivors - Lawrence County
Information about the process in the Criminal Justice System when charges are filed related to domestic violence. Includes Important Phone Numbers for Lawrence County.
You Can Claim "GOOD CAUSE" Not to File For Child Support if You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
If you get welfare benefits, the welfare office will expect you to file for child support. This provides information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on when you have "good cause" not to file for support due to domestic violence.
Money! Money! Money! (Video)
Consumer Law Tips for Survivors of Domestic Violence: Basic ideas about money management, some good ideas and some mistakes to avoid.
Protection from Abuse
Fact Sheet from the Youth Justice Project on the rights of youth to obtain Protection From Abuse from a family member or romantic partner. [PDF]
Teen Parent Rights When DHS Investigates
Fact sheet from the Youth Justice Project proving information to teen parents who might be under investigation by the Department of Human Services concerning allegations of child abuse or neglect.
Teen Parents in Care
Fact sheet from the Youth Justice Project providing information for teen parents in care, who are young mothers and fathers who are placed by the Department of Human Services in foster care, a mother/baby placement, or other placement.
What is a Protection From Abuse Order (Video)
This video describes what a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order is and how it can protect you and other family members. (August 2020)
Young Adult Resource Guide - Youth Law Project
Guide to services available to Youth in Philadelphia including: Child Care & Early Learning • Domestic Violence • Drop-In Centers • Drug & Alcohol Treatment • Education/ Career • Family Planning/Reproductive Health • Food Resources • General Health Services • Housing/ Shelter • Legal Services • Mental Health Services • Parenting Education • Teen Parent Resources • Other Resources (January 2021)
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]
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]
Philadelphia County (PFA): 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: Help Is Just A Phone Call Away (Video)
This video from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence is a 2 1/2-minute primer on how domestic violence victims may obtain a protection-from-abuse court order against an abusive partner.
Strangulation
Resource from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence about Strangulation and Pennsylvania's Strangulation Law including a webinar describing what the law covers and how it works.
The Protection From Sexual Violence and Intimidation Act
Information from the Pennsylvania Coalition on Domestic Violence about the new Protection From Sexual Violence and Intimidation Act that went into effect on July 1, 2015. The new law extends additional protections to individuals who may not be covered by the provisions of the Protection From Abuse Act.
3 Tips If You Are Planning To Leave An Abusive Relationship (Video)
The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence offers safety tips it you are planning to leave an abusive relationship.
Getting Protection From Abuse Orders in Philadelphia During the Pandemic
Information on obtaining protective orders in Philadelphia during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sexual Violence Against Farmworkers: A Guidebook for Legal Providers
The goal of this guidebook from the Southern Poverty Law Center is to increase the knowledge and skills of legal professionals so that you can better serve farmworkers who have experienced sexual violence. It provides helpful explanations about the life and work of farmworkers as well as unique issues that may impact the services you provide. (April 2010)
How to Obtain a Civil Protection Order (Video)
This video from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts explains the process for obtaining a civil protection order from the 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.
Battered Spouse, Children & Parents - Immigrant Visa Petitions
As a battered spouse, child or parent, you may file an immigrant visa petition under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This page provides informaton on that process.
DoD Safe Helpline
DoD Safe Helpline is the sole secure, confidential, and anonymous crisis support service specially designed for members of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault.
Malmstrom Special Victims' Counsel
The Malmstrom Air Force Base Special Victims' Counsel (SVC) assists eligible victims through most criminal and civil legal matters relating to a reported sexual assault, whether restricted or unrestricted.
Protection Order Resources for Victims of Crime from PASafeLaw.org
Protection orders can be powerful tools in helping to keep victims of crime safe. Civil protection orders are meant to help keep victims safe. A judge will sign the order to stop the abuser from contacting and abusing the victim and may also provide other forms of relief, including custody, relinquishment of firearms, and/or eviction of the abuser, that help assure victim safety and security.
Information about U Visa
Information from Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center about U Visa, a visa designed for crime victims who have helped or are willing to help authorities investigating crimes.
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. Learn about the different options and which one might be best for your situation. (2017)
Adams County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Adams County.
Armstrong County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Armstrong County.
Beaver County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Beaver County.
Bedford County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Bedford County.
Berks County: Domestic Relations Section of the Berks County Court of Common Pleas
Domestic Relations is a part of the Berks County Court of Common Pleas. It helps the Court establish and enforce Court Orders for child support and spousal support.
Blair County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Blair County.
Bradford County Domestic Relations Office
Information on domestic relations procedures in Bradford County.
Bucks County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Bucks County.
Butler County Family Court: Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Butler County.
Cambria County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Cambria County.
Centre County: Domestic Relations Section
The Domestic Relations Section is a Court-appointed office of Centre County Government under the Centre County Court of Common Pleas. The office serves as the Court's child support enforcement agency.
Chester County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Chester County.
Clearfield County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Clearfield County.
Clinton County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Clinton County.
Crawford County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Crawford County.
Cumberland County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Cumberland County.
Dauphin County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Dauphin County.
Delaware County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Delaware County.
Fayette County Domestic Relations
Information on support porcedures in Fayette County.
Lawrence County: Criminal Justice Information for Domestic Violence Survivors - Lawrence County
Information about the process in the Criminal Justice System when charges are filed related to domestic violence. Includes Important Phone Numbers for Lawrence County.
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 Office
Information Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas on the services provided by the Protection From Abuse office in Lehigh County.
Mifflin County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Mifflin County.
Montgomery County: Protection From Abuse
Information on Protection From Abuse procedures in Montgomery County.
Northampton County: Protection From Abuse Information
Information on Protection From Abuse services in Northampton county.
Perry County: Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Perry County.
Philadelphia County (PFA): 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.
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.
York County Protection From Abuse Information Center
This site is designed to inform victims of abuse in York County of their rights under the Protection From Abuse Act.
Courts-Westmoreland County: Family Court Forms
Family Court Forms for use in the Westmoreland County Courts.
Schuylkill County: Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Schuylkill county.
Washington County: Domestic Relations Section of the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County
Information on the Domestic Relations Section of the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County.
Westmoreland County: Domestic Relations
Information on support and the Domestic Relations Office in Westmoreland County
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.
York County Protection From Abuse Information Center
This site is designed to inform victims of abuse in York County of their rights under the Protection From Abuse Act.