PFA Basics
TRO...PFA...Restraining Order....I'm confused!
In Pennsylvania, a restraining order is called a Protection from Abuse order (PFA). A PFA, used in the right situation can be a powerful tool in the war on domestic violence.
- What is a PFA
- A PFA is a civil court order which prohibits abusive behavior
- What is needed to quality for a PFA
- In order to petition the court for a PFA, a person must demonstrate the following:
- Relationship: A person who is filing for the PFA must be related to the abusive party in one of the following ways: married, sexual partners, parents of the same children, or related by blood or affinity (marriage)
- Abuse: As well as demonstrating a relationship, the person filing for the PFA must show one or more of the following types of abuse:
- causing or attempting to cause bodily injury
- placing another in reasonable fear of bodily injury
- false imprisonment
- physical or sexual abuse of minor children
- engaging in a course of conduct which places the person in fear of bodily injury
- What are the stage for filing for a PFA
- There are 3 stages, or types of PFA's
- Emergency Order - can be issued when the Court of Common Pleas is closed; order terminated by 4:30pm of the next business day
- Temporary Order - issued by Court of Common Please; notice must be served on defendant and hearing must be schedule within 10 days
- Final Order - issued by Court of Common Pleas for up to 36 months
- What type of relief can be requested in a PFA
- cease and desist abuse
- eviction or exclusion from marital residence
- prohibit contact
- temporary custody of minor children
- temporary child or spousal support
- seizure of weapons
- other relief as the court deems appropriate
- What happens if a PFA is violated?
- The person who violates the PFA can be arrested and charged with indirect criminal contempt. if found guilty, the defendant could face up to 6 months imprisonment.
Getting a PFA is just one part of a larger safety plan. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, call our hotline today...1-800-642-3150! A trained advocate can help you decide what should be in your safety plan. PFA's used in the right situation are a powerful tool in the war on domestic violence. However, please know that PFA may not be appropriate - or a safe option for all those experiencing domestic violence. |
What are you doing Saturday night? Are you one of the more than 200 people who will be in attendance at our MAGIC Gala at the Green Valley Country Club? Would you like to win Meet & Greet tickets to Taylor Swift - OR - Kenny Chesney's concert this summer at the Linc? Perhaps may you prefer hand-made purses, or a golf outing? Or...maybe you just want to show up to support Laurel House's efforts "working to end domestic violence" Whatever the reason...we hope to see you Saturday night. For more information click on the banner below: 
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