Domestic violence occurs within a family or an intimate relationship as a way for one person to control another. It includes physical abuse, not allowing someone to leave home, or using objects like knives and guns to cause injury. It also includes harming someone emotionally by threats, name-calling, and put-downs.
You can file criminal charges against your abuser with local or state police and/or ask the court to issue a Protection from Abuse Order (PFA) to stop your abuser from hurting you or your children. You do not need a PFA to file criminal charges, and you do not need to file criminal charges to get a PFA.
When you go to court, a judge may grant a PFA to:
- Keep your abuser away from you and your family, your home, and your workplace
- Give you temporary custody of your children
- Make your abuser pay support
- Take away your abuser’s weapons
It's important to know that you don't need a lawyer to get a PFA in Pennsylvania. When you need help in filing criminal charges or applying for a PFA, your local domestic violence program can talk to you about your choices.
To find the local domestic violence program nearest to you, look in the blue pages of your phone book under abuse or assault. Or, check the community-based programs on the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence website. You can also ask your doctor or other health care professionals to help you find the help you need.
If something about your relationship scares you or you're worried about a friend and you need to talk, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233 (SAFE) or (800) 787-3224 (TTY for the Deaf). Help is available in English, Spanish, and many other languages. All contact with the hotline is free and confidential.
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