Recently updated on April 20th, 2026 at 12:46 pm
OVERVIEW
A Protection From Abuse (PFA) order is a court order given to protect a person from abuse by a family member, a household member, or an intimate partner in Pennsylvania. The order can restrict the abuser, for example by requiring them to stay a minimum distance away from the victim’s residence, workplace, or school.
A PFA is issued in situations where the abuser is someone the victim has a close relationship with, including a current or former spouse, intimate partner, or a relative such as a child, parent, sibling, grandparent, or in-laws.
Abuse can be emotional or physical and can occur anywhere, including online. It can take many forms, such as preventing access to money or basic needs, controlling behavior, or isolating someone from friends or family.
How it Works - Video Overview
A short video that outlines how you can prepare your official Protection From Abuse (PFA) court forms (also known as a packet) in Pennsylvania, and then file them at your local court.
HOW THIS WEBSITE WORKS
This website provides a guided experience to people who are working themselves on preparing the court forms for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order.
1. Take Screening
Start with the online screening, which will guide you through a few questions to help determine whether your situation may be suitable for a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order in Pennsylvania.
2. Prepare Documents
Prepare the main set of your court documents by covering one topic at a time. Each section includes questions written in simple, non-legal language. Do your best to answer them, and if you need help, you can easily reach out for support with just a few clicks.
3. Consult Advocate (Optional)
If you are filing against someone you had an intimate relationship with, you may consult with an advocate for support. An advocate can assist you with certain aspects of your case, including reviewing your documents and speaking with you directly to discuss your situation.
4. Submit to Court
Submit the paperwork to begin the legal process. You can do that by either printing and visiting the court or directly E-filing from this website.
How do restraining orders help?
Here's the top three findings from a study on domestic violence and restraining orders from the University of New Hampshire
1. Reduce Violence
Civil protective orders, such as a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order in Pennsylvania, can be effective in reducing partner violence for many victims. For some individuals, a protective order can stop the violence entirely, while for others, it can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of abuse.
2. Cost Effective
They are a relatively low-cost solution, particularly when compared with the significant social and personal costs of partner violence.
3. Urban vs. Rural
The impact of civil protective orders on reducing violence and abuse does not appear to differ between rural and urban victims. In rural areas, where resources and services for addressing partner violence may be more limited, it is especially important to reduce barriers to obtaining protective orders, as research indicates they can be an effective resource. However, community-level barriers to enforcing these orders may still exist for individuals in rural areas.
Court Forms Created
Once you pass the screening and complete the questionnaires, you can download the standard court forms, correctly filled with your information. These forms are provided by the Pennsylvania Courts and are used across courts in Pennsylvania for Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders.
