Domestic Violence Issues
Legal Information > Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network
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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.
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.
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.
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)
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.