Protection From Abuse
A protection from abuse order (P.F.A.) is a civil order that protects you from being harmed by family members, sexual or romantic partners, or those with whom you share a child. When domestic abuse happens or is suspected of occurring, the people involved must act quickly to protect their legal rights.
A protection from abuse order is a court-signed document that instructs the abuser to stop abusing the victim or face harsh legal penalties. It provides civil legal protection to both female and male victims of domestic violence.
● Attempting to cause or causing (with or without a deadly weapon):
○ Bodily injury
○ Rape
○ Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse
○ Sexual assault
○ Aggravated indecent assault
○ Indecent assault
○ Incest
● Placing another in reasonable fear of immediate serious bodily injury
● False imprisonment
● Physical or sexual abuse of a child
● Engaging in a course of conduct or repeatedly committing acts toward another person, such as stalking or harassment that makes you afraid of bodily injury
There are several different types of protection from abuse orders ("PFA") in Pennsylvania. The type of PFA you may receive is determined by whether or not the judge believes you require protection.
