LibGuides: Self-Help: Protection From Abuse (PFA) & Domestic Violence: Learn about PFAs, Abuse, & More

24/7 Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-866-723-3014

Where to File a PFA in Philadelphia

Filing for a PFA is free. You can file for a PFA at the following locations and times:

Philadelphia Family Court
Domestic Violence Unit
1501 Arch St., 8th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-686-3512
Open at 8am on weekdays. The earlier you arrive, the more likely that your petition will be prepared and filed that same day.
For more information, see:

Protection from Abuse in Philadelphia County Information on PA's definition of abuse, who can file for a PFA, where to file in Philadelphia, how to prepare for a hearing, how to enforce a PFA, help numbers, and more. Sponsored by the Philadelphia Bar Association Family Law Section (last updated Oct. 2022).

Criminal Justice Center
1301 Filbert St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Room B-03
215-683-7280
Open for emergency PFA filings between 5pm - 8am on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends or holidays when Family Court is closed.
For more information, see:

Philadelphia Emergency Domestic Violence Site Information about filing for an Emergency PFA in Philadelphia when Family Court is closed. Sponsored by the Philadelphia Bar Association Family Law Section (last updated Oct. 2022).

Brochures

Protection from Abuse in Philadelphia County Information on PA's definition of abuse, who can file for a PFA, where to file in Philadelphia, how to prepare for a hearing, how to enforce a PFA, help numbers, and more. Sponsored by the Philadelphia Bar Association Family Law Section (last updated Oct. 2022).
Philadelphia Emergency Domestic Violence Site Information about filing for an Emergency PFA in Philadelphia when Family Court is closed. Sponsored by the Philadelphia Bar Association Family Law Section (last updated Oct. 2022).
Domestic Violence & TANF Support Requirements (PA) Information about the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) support requirements when there is domestic violence. Sponsored by the Philadelphia Bar Association Family Law Section (last updated Dec. 2021).
Protection From Abuse (PA) General information about PFAs in Pennsylvania. Created by the Pennsylvania Bar Association (last updated 2013).
Options for Civil Protection Orders in Pennsylvania (PA) Describes the differences between Protection From Abuse (PFA) Orders, Sexual Violence Protection Orders (SVPO), and Protection from Intimidation (PFI) Orders. Created by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (last updated 2017).
Sexual Violence Protection Orders: What You Need to Know (PA) Created by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape. (No date of publication).

Many of theses brochures can be found on the Philadelphia Courts Brochures & Manuals page, the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Consumer Legal Information Pamphlets page, and/or the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section Resources page.

Websites

Learn About Abuse Women Against Abuse

What is Abuse? Women in Transition

Domestic Violence and Protection From Abuse & Sexual Assault Women's Law Project

DV & Technology: Internet & Computer Safety National Network to End Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence & Protection From Abuse PaLawHelp.org

Sexual Violence Protection Orders Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR)

Office of Domestic Violence Strategies City of Philadelphia
File for unpaid leave because of domestic violence or sexual assault. Resources.

Safe in Philly Mobile Resource Map Shared Safety Philadelphia

Pennsylvania Restraining Orders WomensLaw.org

PA Courts - YouTube page