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.
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.
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.
Your Detailed Rights as a Crime Victim
Descriptions of the rights you have as a victim of crime in Pennsylvania. Victims’ rights ensure that individuals have a voice in the criminal justice system, allowing them to be informed about case proceedings and share their views with prosecutors and the court.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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] (December 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] (October 2022)
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 Law
Resource from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence about Strangulation and Pennsylvania's Strangulation Law. The law states that a person commits the offense of strangulation; if the person knowingly or intentionally impedes the breathing or circulation of the blood of another person by applying pressure to the throat or neck, or blocking the nose and the mouth of the person.
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.
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 Air Force Base Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program
Sexual Assault Response Coordinators and Victim Advocates are available at all Air Force installations to assist victims and survivors of sexual assault. Malmstrom Air Force Base's SARC serves as the single point of contact for integrating and coordinating care for sexual assault victims on base 24/7, 365 days a year. The Malmstrom Air Force Base Victims' Counsel assists eligible victims through most criminal and civil legal matters relating to a reported sexual assault, whether restricted or unrestricted. The SAPR Program reinforces the Air Force's commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault through awareness and prevention training, education, victim advocacy, response, reporting and accountability. Help is just a phone call away: If you have been sexually assaulted, please call the SAPR contacts listed.
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.
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)
Protection Orders
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. Learn about the different types of Protection Orders provided under Pennsylvania Law from PASafeLaw.org.
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 County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Carbon 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 - 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 Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Franklin 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.
Greene County Domestic Relations
Information on support/domestic relations procedures in Greene County.
Juniata County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures 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: 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.
Lebanon County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Lebanon 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.
Luzerne County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Luzerne County.
Lycoming County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations/support procedures in Lycoming County.
McKean County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations/support procedures in McKean County.
Mercer County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations/support procedures in Mercer County.
Mifflin County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Mifflin County.
Monroe County: Domestic Relations
The Domestic Relations Section (DRS) is a court office that helps parents apply for child support services, establish paternity and support orders, and enforce support orders. Child support is money a noncustodial parent pays to a custodial parent to help provide food, clothing and other necessary items for their child. Child support may include medical support, payment of uncovered medical bills and contributions to child care costs. The DRS can also help if the noncustodial parent lives in another Pennsylvania county, a different state, or another country.
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 Domestic Relations
The Montgomery County Domestic Relations Office establishes paternity and determines and enforces child and spousal support orders in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, statutes, and rules of civil procedure.
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 Domestic Relations
The Domestic Relations Section is responsible for the establishment of Support Orders on behalf of children and spouses, establishment of paternity, location of absent obligors, and the enforcement of monetary Orders for Support and medical support. The Domestic Relations Section also establishes and enforces Orders for Alimony Pendente Lite and enforces alimony Orders.
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.
Perry County: Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Perry County.
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.
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.
Warren County: Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Warren County. The Domestic Relations Office handles matters pertaining to child and spousal support.
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. The Domestic Relations Section of the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County, Pennsylvania is the County IV-D Agency responsible for the establishment, collection, and enforcement of child and spousal support obligations. The Domestic Relations Section does not deal with divorce, custody, visitation, or any other family law-related matter.
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.