Here’s an overview of Pennsylvania’s PFA’s SVPs, & PFI’s
◦ Protection From Abuse (PFA) Orders:
A Protection From Abuse (PFA) order is a court order designed to protect individuals from domestic violence or abuse. In Pennsylvania, a PFA order can prohibit the abuser from contacting or coming near the victim, as well as provide other forms of protection.
Description of a PFA Order:
- A PFA order is a legal document issued by a judge that prohibits an abuser from contacting, threatening, harassing, or abusing the victim.
- The order can also include provisions such as requiring the abuser to stay away from the victim’s home, workplace, and children.
- A PFA order may also grant temporary custody of children, require the abuser to surrender firearms, and provide other forms of protection for the victim.
How to Get a PFA Order in Pennsylvania:
- Contact the Court: To obtain a PFA order, the victim must go to their county courthouse and file a petition for a PFA order. The court staff can provide the necessary forms and assist with filling them out.
- Complete the Petition: The victim will need to provide information about the abuse or violence they have experienced, details about the abuser, and any evidence or documentation to support their case.
- Attend a Hearing: After filing the petition, a judge will review the case and schedule a hearing. Both the victim and the abuser will have the opportunity to present their side of the story at the hearing.
- Obtain the Order: If the judge determines that the victim is in danger and meets the criteria for a PFA order, they will issue the order, outlining the terms and conditions of protection.
It’s important to note that victims of domestic violence or abuse can seek assistance from local domestic violence organizations, legal aid services, or law enforcement for support in obtaining a PFA order. Additionally, victims can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for confidential support and resources. By seeking a PFA order, individuals can take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from further harm and seek legal intervention against their abuser.
Sexual Violence Protection Order (SVP) (http://www.pcar.org/sexual-violence-protection-orders)is designed to protect victims of sexual violence from further abuse and/or intimidation by their abuser, regardless of whether or not criminal charges have been filed against the perpetrator. Similar in many ways to a PFA, the key difference lies in the relationship between the abuser and the victim. While PFAs require an intimate or household relationship between two parties, a SVPO does not and is available to victims of sexual violence who are at continued risk of harm from their perpetrator.
◦ Protection From Intimidation (PFI) are similar to PFA orders but are specifically designed to protect victims of sexual violence, harassment, or stalking. A PFI order can prohibit the offender from contacting, threatening, or intimidating the victim. In Pennsylvania, a Protection From Intimidation (PFI) order is a court order designed to protect individuals from sexual violence, harassment, or stalking. Here is how someone can obtain a PFI order in Pennsylvania and the process involved:
Description of a PFI Order:
- A PFI order is a legal document issued by a judge that prohibits the offender from contacting, threatening, intimidating, or harassing the victim.
- The order can include provisions such as requiring the offender to stay away from the victim’s home, workplace, or school and to cease all forms of intimidation or harassment.
- A PFI order may also grant additional protections or relief to the victim, depending on the circumstances of the case.
How to Obtain a PFI Order in Pennsylvania:
- File a Petition: The victim must go to their county courthouse and file a petition for a PFI order. The court staff can provide the necessary forms and assist with filling them out.
- Provide Information: The victim will need to provide detailed information about the intimidation or harassment they have experienced, details about the offender, and any evidence or documentation to support their case.
- Attend a Hearing: After filing the petition, a judge will review the case and schedule a hearing. Both the victim and the offender will have the opportunity to present their side of the story at the hearing.
- Obtain the Order: If the judge determines that the victim is in danger and meets the criteria for a PFI order, they will issue the order, outlining the terms and conditions of protection.
It’s important to note that victims of sexual violence, harassment, or stalking can seek assistance from local domestic violence organizations, legal aid services, or law enforcement for support in obtaining a PFI order. Additionally, victims can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for confidential support and resources. By seeking a PFI order, individuals can take steps to protect themselves from further intimidation or harassme
nt and seek legal intervention against the offender.
**This is a general description of the information in this blog post to help victims out there seeking help. For Further information pertaining to obtaining a PFA, SVP or PFI please contact your County that you reside in. Each County in PA has their own policies and procedures. It is important that you educate yourself on their steps to obtaining the Protection Order.