Civil Protection Orders
The Franklin County Prothonotary’s Office is not permitted to issue legal advice or procedures. Please consult your attorney with any legal questions.
Pennsylvania has three different civil protection order options that offer victims relief from further harm from their perpetrator: Protection From Abuse (PFA), Sexual Violence Protection (SVPO) and Protection From Intimidation (PFI). Civil protection orders can be filed whether or not the incident has been reported to the police. If you are considering filing a civil protection order, you may find it helpful to contact you local sexual assault or domestic violence advocacy program, legal services, and/or an attorney to review your options.
Ex parte hearings must occur during Franklin County Courthouse business hours before 3 p.m. To have the hearing on the same day you file your petition, you must present your completed petition to the Prothonotary’s Office no later than 2:30 p.m. Any petition filings filed after that time will need to be taken to the magisterial district judge for your area or you must return to the Courthouse the following business day.
Protection From Abuse (PFA)
Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders are appropriate when there are cases of physical, sexual or psychological abuse where the victim and the defendant have these types of relationships:
- Current or former spouse
- People who live or have lived as spouses
- Current or former intimate or sexual partners
- Family and/or household members who are related by blood (consanguinity)
- Family and/or household members who are related through marriage or affinity
- Parent/child
- Siblings
PFAs can be filed regardless of the ages of the parties involved. However, if the victim is under 18, an adult must file on the minor’s behalf.
Sexual Violence Protection (SVPO)
Sexual Violence Protection Orders (SVPO) are appropriate in cases of sexual violence where the victim and perpetrator do not have and/or have never had a family, household or intimate partner relationship. Examples are:
- Strangers
- Acquaintances
- Friends
- Coworkers
- Neighbors
SVPOs can be filed regardless of the ages of the parties involved. However, if the victim is under 18, an adult must file on the minor’s behalf.
Protection From Intimidation (PFI)
Protection From Intimidation (PFI) orders are appropriate in cases of harassment and stalking where the victim and perpetrator do not have and/or have never had a family, household or intimate partner relationship AND the victim is under 18 AND the defendant is over 18. PFIs cannot be granted in cases involving two minors, two adults, or where a minor is harassing or stalking an adult. PFIs can be filed regardless of the ages of the parties involved. However, if the victim is under 18, an adult must file on the minor’s behalf.