PAVictimsHelp.org
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
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.
Resource Library for Survivors
This library is a curated collection of resources and organizations dedicated to helping survivors based on experience, need, and community. Use the tool below to connect with the right resource for you.
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.
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.
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. (2014)
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. (2014)
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.
Your Detailed Rights as a Crime Victim
Descriptions of the rights you have as a victim of crime in Pennsylvania
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.
Housing Rights of Domestic Violence Survivors
This classroom offers information from several sources on the housing rights of domestic violence survivors.
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 - The Office of 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.
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.
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. (2016)
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 Office
Information Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas on the services provided by the Protection From Abuse office in Lehigh County.
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.
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
Court forms published on Northumberland County website.
Philadelphia County: Affidavit of Service
Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in family law proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Philadelphia County.
Philadelphia County: Domestic Relations Information Sheet
Form from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section for use in domestic relations proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Motion Cover Sheet
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.
Philadelphia County: Petition for Contempt of Protection From Abuse Order (Philadelphia)
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section for use in Protection From Abuse proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Petition for Extension of Protection From Abuse Order (Philadelphia)
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section for use in Protection From Abuse proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Petition for Protection From Abuse (Philadelphia)
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section for use in Protection From Abuse proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Petition to Modify Protection From Abuse Order
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section for use in Protection From Abuse proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
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.
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.
Westmoreland County Protection from Abuse and 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: 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.
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.
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. (2014)
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
Information about the process in the Criminal Justice System when charges are filed related to domestic violence. Includes Important Phone Numbers for Lawrence County.
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. (2011)
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]
Protection From Abuse
Information from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. on the protection available to you under the Pennsylvania Protection From Abuse Act.
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 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.
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.
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)
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 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]
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. (2014)
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)
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.
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.
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. (2016)
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 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.
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)
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.
Adams County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Adams County.
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.
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.
Carbon Self Service Center - Forms
Download forms and information from the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas
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.
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.
Delaware County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Delaware County.
Erie County - The Office of 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.
Fayette County Domestic Relations
Information on support porcedures in Fayette County.
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.
Juniata County: Forms and Applications
Forms and applications for use in Juniata County.
Lancaster County: Protection From Abuse in Lancaster County
Information on Protection From Abuse and the procedures for filing an action including forms.
Lawrence County: Criminal Justice Information for Domestic Violence Survivors
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.
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.
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
Court forms published on Northumberland County website.
Perry County: Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Perry County.
Philadelphia County: Affidavit of Service
Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in family law proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Philadelphia County.
Philadelphia County: Domestic Relations Information Sheet
Form from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section for use in domestic relations proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Motion Cover Sheet
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.
Philadelphia County: Petition for Contempt of Protection From Abuse Order (Philadelphia)
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section for use in Protection From Abuse proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Petition for Extension of Protection From Abuse Order (Philadelphia)
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section for use in Protection From Abuse proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Petition for Protection From Abuse (Philadelphia)
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section for use in Protection From Abuse proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Petition to Modify Protection From Abuse Order
Form with instructions from the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section for use in Protection From Abuse proceedings taking place in Phildelphia courts.
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.
Potter County: Court Related Information and Forms
Court-related information and forms from the Judges Chamber of the Potter County Court of Common Pleas.
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 Protection from Abuse and 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: 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.