A Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order can protect you when the person responsible for the abuse is a family member, a relative by marriage, or a current or former intimate partner. When appropriate, the court can also extend protection to other family members, including children and even companion animals.
Protection From Abuse Coordinated Services (PFACS)
is the legal division for SafeNet
A judge can issue a Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order requiring an abuser to stay away from the victim. A PFA can remain in effect for up to three years. The court may extend the order when necessary.
If you are experiencing abuse and want to explore this option, call PFACS at 814-455-1774 or the 24-Hour Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline at 814-454-8161.
Pennsylvania’s Act 146 recognizes that abusers may use pets to threaten, intimidate, or control victims. Under this law, companion animals can be included in a PFA Order. The court may grant you temporary possession of your companion animal. It can also prohibit the defendant from contacting, harming, transferring, relocating, or interfering with the animal or anyone providing it with shelter. These protections help ensure you do not have to choose between your safety and your pet’s safety.
A Protection From Abuse Order Can:
- Order your abuser to stop threatening, harassing, stalking, or harming you
- Prohibit contact at your home, work, school, or other specified locations
- Prohibit your abuser from contacting or communicating with you
- Require your abuser to surrender firearms or other weapons as ordered by the court
- Remove your abuser from your home
- Grant you temporary custody of your children
- Protect your companion animals by granting you temporary possession and restricting your abuser’s access to them under Pennsylvania’s Act 146
