The Protection from Abuse Act is a state law which gives a court the power to issue a civil (non-criminal) order to protect certain people. They are:

• Spouses or persons living together, either currently or in the past
• Parents, children, and other persons related by blood or marriage including persons who share biological parenthood
• Current or former sexual or intimate partners

Eligibility

To be eligible for a protection from abuse order, you must have been physically abused or be in real fear of serious physical abuse because of threats or menace, or have been sexually abused, or have been knowingly restrained.

You can file a petition asking a judge to grant you an Order of Protection from Abuse (PFA).

You do NOT need a lawyer to file!

Petition forms can be downloaded and printed from the attachment on this site. You can also submit the application digitally through the Bucks County website. Digital submission of the application still requires attending court to petition for a Protection from Abuse.

Emergency PFA

Issued by a Magisterial District Judge ONLY when there is a true emergency AND the Court of Common Pleas is closed. Police can assist with contacting the appropriate Magistrate. This order would be effective until the close of the next business day. The court of common pleas must be contacted by 11 am the next business day to confirm that your order was extended.

Temporary PFA

Orders that are entered by the court to provide protection between the petition filing date and the court hearing. Court hearings take place within ten business days of the petition filing.

Full Order PFA

Issued by a judge at a hearing and can last up to three (3) years. Full order PFA’s can provide protection from abuse, harassment, threats and stalking, eviction of defendant, no contact orders, temporary child custody, financial orders, relinquishment of the defendant’s weapons, and reimbursement of expenses and fees.

https://www.buckscounty.gov/597/Protection-From-Abuse

If you require additional information or assistance, please contact Perkasie Borough Victim Advocate Christopher Doheny at 215-257-6876 ext. 223.