Show All Answers

1. What is a PFA?

PFA means "Protection for Abuse." A PFA order is issued by the court as a means to protect a person against being abused as defined under the PFA Act.

2. What is abuse under the PFA Act?

Under the Protection From Abuse Act, abuse is defined as physical abuse, a threat which places you in immediate fear of physical injury, or a pattern of conduct which places you in immediate fear of physical injury.

3. Who can get a PFA?

In order to petition the Court for a PFA, you must be, or have been, in a relationship with or a family member of the person against whom you want to file. You must be 18 years or older, or have a legal guardian with you to file an PFA.

4. What can a PFA prohibit?

The Protection Order can do the following:

• Prohibit abusive conduct
• Remove the abuser from your residence
• Other provisions which the Judge deems appropriate

5. How does the PFA Process work?

• An Emergency Order can be issued by a Magisterial District Judge after 4:30 p.m. on a business day or when the Court of Common Pleas is closed. You can also file report to your local Police Department to file for an Emergency Order. An Emergency order is in effect until the end of the next business day of the Court of Common Pleas. You must report to the Court of Common Pleas to have a temporary order issued.
• A Temporary Order stays in effect until the hearing for the permanent PFA is held. You can report directly to the Court of Common Pleas during business hours to file for a temporary order.
• The hearing date is scheduled when you receive the temporary PFA. A Permanent Order may be issued as a result of the hearing. The Permanent Order is issued for up to thirty-six (36) months.

6. Where do I call or go for assistance to obtain a PFA?

Call the PFA Office of the Court Administrator’s office at 724-853-2207. The office, is located on the 4th Floor Family Court area of the Westmoreland County Courthouse in the Courthouse Annex, Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

7. What are the steps to get a Final PFA Order?

To file for a PFA Order you must:

1. Complete a petition for a Temporary PFA at the Court Administrator's office
2. Present the petition to the PFA judge
3. File the PFA petition and Temporary Order in the Prothonotary's office
4. Take copies of the PFA order to your local Police department and to the County Sheriff department (located in the basement of the Courthouse) for service

You will be scheduled for a final PFA hearing the week following the issuance of the temporary order.

Obtaining a Temporary PFA Order may require several hours to accomplish. The time needed is dependant upon the availability of the PFA Judge. In addition, you will also need to be available for several hours or perhaps all day to appear in Court on the date of your hearing for a Final PFA Order. You should make suitable arrangements with your employer and child care provider.

8. What is an indirect criminal contempt?

An indirect criminal contempt is a violation of one or more of the non-economic conditions placed on the defendant by an emergency, temporary, or permanent PFA Order.

9. If a violation occurs, what should be done?

Phone the police immediately if the person against whom your PFA is ordered violates the PFA Order. Based on the type of violation and evidence, the police will file a complaint with the Magisterial District Judge. If the police file a complaint, the petition will proceed to the Court of Common Pleas. Once the defendant is arrested and arraigned, the victim will be notified by the Court Administrator's office of the date and time of the hearing on the violation. The hearing is held before the Court of Common Pleas PFA Judge.

10. What other resources are available to assist with the PFA process and counseling in domestic abuse situations?

In any emergency, call 911. The police will assist you and provide information on how to get an emergency PFA and will file a report.

For assistance in petitioning for a PFA and counseling assistance:

• Blackburn Center, 24-Hour Hotline
  Ph: (724) 836-1122
  Toll Free: 1 (888) 832-2272
  Business Office: (724) 837-9540
• The Hope Center, 24-Hour Hotline
  Business Office: (724) 224-1100
  Toll Free: 1 (888) 299-4673