PFA

Protection From Abuse (PFA)

Advocates Against Domestic Abuse

Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse (PFA) order offers legal solutions for victims of domestic abuse. A judge must issue a PFA, commonly known as a restraining order. The order requires an abuser to stop any abuse or face legal consequences. PFAs require that a person accused of abusive behavior must leave a shared or jointly occupied living space.

The law defines abuse as when someone:

• Intentionally commits bodily injury, rape, assault, or incest
• Causes someone else to fear for their physical safety
• Falsely imprisons the victim
• Physically or sexually abuses minor children (under age 18)
• Intentionally commits acts toward another person — like stalking or harassment — that cause the person to fear for their physical safety

Help for Abuse Victims

Abused spouses/ former spouses, domestic partners, or children accompanied by a parent, an adult household member, or guardian, parents, and current/ former sexual partners can request that the court issue a PFA. These documents offer protection by:

• Awarding you temporary custody rights
• Ordering an abuser to leave a shared home or apartment
• Ordering an abuser not to contact, harass, or stalk you or your minor children
• Ordering an abuser to turn in firearms or weapons
• Ordering an abuser to pay reasonable costs that result from the abuse (like attorney expenses, medical/ mental health care, loss of earnings, relocation costs, etc.)

Learn more about the protections from domestic abuse in our blog, Protection from Domestic Violence.

Why Choose Us?

We’ve seen the emotional, financial, and physical toll that domestic abuse takes on families. If you need protection from domestic violence, our compassionate team will advocate on your behalf. We’re dedicated to helping you get the security and justice you deserve.