A protection order can help you to stay safe from someone who has done you harm. It is an option when you are a victim of a crime in Pennsylvania.
There are guidelines to the process, and you should be aware of how things work before you apply for the protection order.
Age
To get a protection from abuse order, you must be at least 18 years old. You can get one for your child as well, but you must be a part of the process.
Effects
When you get a PFA, the person you get it against cannot have any contact with you or anyone else you list in the order. If the person does try to contact you or any protected individual, you can contact law enforcement. The person will end up in trouble for violating the court order.
Benefits
Besides putting legal consequences into place to keep the other person away from you, a PFA can also open the door to resources you can use. You may be able to get financial, medical and legal assistance. You may also qualify for counseling and victim services.
Options
You should be aware there are different types of PFAs. Depending on your situation, you can get a general one or you can one for protection due to sexual violence or intimidation.
Keep in mind that a protection order is one part of protecting yourself from a violent or potentially violent individual. But it is a good first step to keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.