Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. LASP offers free legal help for victims of domestic abuse who are seeing Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders in each of the counties that we serve.

If you are in a life-threatening situation, call 911.

LASP has attorneys and paralegals who specialize in domestic violence and Protection from Abuse (PFA) cases in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties.

How to access Legal Aid of Southeastern PA's free legal services for victims of domestic violence:

LASP attorneys are continuing to help clients obtain Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders and address other legal issues related to domestic violence.

All LASP attorneys and staff are working. When working remotely, they are checking voicemail during regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

LASP domestic violence flyer (1-page PDF)

How to contact Legal Aid of Southeastern PA’s domestic violence team

Flyer (1-page PDF): download, print, share

Bucks County

Please call LASP Bucks County at 215-340-1818 and leave a message.

Chester County

Chester County Protection from Abuse clients should contact LASP's West Chester office at 610-436-4510.
If you need immediate assistance, please call 484-803-2131.

Delaware County

LASP's Delaware County Domestic Violence Helpline: 855-879-3100.

Montgomery County

LASP's Montgomery County Domestic Violence Helpline: 855-980-6924.

LASP flyer on legal aid for victims of domestic violence:

English PDF | Spanish PDF

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Se habla español. Language Line access & interpretation is available in 240+ languages.

FAQs about Protection from Abuse orders and domestic violence in Pennsylvania

What qualifies as domestic violence in Pennsylvania to get a PFA?

The following acts, if perpetrated by a family member or intimate partner:

Physical or sexual violence
Threats of violence
Physical or sexual abuse of minor children
Stalking which causes fear of bodily injury

Types of abuse not covered by the PFA statute:

Emotional; Financial; Verbal without threats (i.e. name calling)

What can I do if I am a victim of domestic violence?

Victims of domestic violence can file for a civil protective order called a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order.
A PFA can order the abuser be removed from your shared home, can grant the non-abusive parent temporary custody of their children, and can order the abuser to have no contact with the victim.
The courts are still open to accept PFA petitions.
Victims can obtain an emergency PFA outside of regular business hours by contacting their local police or 911.

To get help related to PFAs or other issues related to domestic violence:

Bucks County domestic violence - 215-340-1818
Chester County domestic violence - 610-436-4510
Delaware County domestic violence - 855-879-3100
Montgomery County domestic violence - 855-980-6924

English PDF

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior within an intimate relationship that is used by one partner to gain power or control over the other partner. This behavior can include physical, sexual, or psychological violence, and emotional abuse.

I’m not a U.S. citizen. Will I be deported if I seek help?

It is safe to call a domestic violence helpline which can provide you with the safest options for your situation.

What about my housing situation?

The Violence Against Women Act includes protections against eviction for those living in most affordable housing programs.

How long does a PFA last?

A final PFA can be issued for up to 36 months and can sometimes be extended for additional time.

Who is eligible for a PFA order?

A PFA Order is available to anyone abused by a:

Current or former spouse, parent, child, current or former sexual or intimate partner, including same sex partners, such as a boyfriend/girlfriend or father/mother of your children; others related by blood or marriage

What is the Protection from Sexual Violence and Intimidation Act?

The Protection from Sexual Violence and Intimidation Act (PSVI) Act, went into effect in Pennsylvania on July 1, 2015. The PSVI Act applies to victims who are not family and household members, extending protection to include victims of sexual violence who do not have an intimate or family/household relationship.

October 2023 Update

PFA Filings: 2022 state and county data

On Oct. 6, 2023, the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) released the latest state and county data on Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders.

In 2022, the number of new PFAs filed statewide increased by 5% from 2021.
Two counites LASP serves - Montgomery & Delaware counties - are in the top 10 Pennsylvania counties with the most PFA filings in 2022.

More information

Read the report: bit.ly/AOPC-PFAs-10-6-2023.
View the data on the PA Courts website: bit.ly/PA-PFA-data.
State fact sheet + data for Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery counties (5-page PDF: view, download, print)

2022 State + 4-county PFA data

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Legal Aid of Southeastern PA helped survivors of domestic violence obtain 689 Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders from July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023. This is an increase from 562 PFA orders obtained in 2021-22. LASP helps survivors in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, LASP highlights the work of our Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) team. Throughout the year, LASP attorneys and paralegals provide trauma-informed free legal help for victims of domestic abuse who are seeking Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders.

From July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023, LASP obtained 689 PFA orders protecting 1,636 adults and children and from domestic abuse.

LASP attorneys are available to address the needs of domestic violence victims across four counties, including, but not limited to, Protection from Abuse.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

April 21-27, 2024

Crime & victimization know no bounds. Anyone can be a victim. Everyone deserves help & to be heard.

LASP's VOCA team of attorneys and paralegal serves Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery counties. Advocates give our clients voices in the legal system.

We empower victims to feel comfortable enough to share their stories and get the legal help they desperately need.

40th anniversary of VOCA

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). This act was passed by Congress and signed into law on Oct. 12, 1984. VOCA established the Crime Victims Fund (CVF), a Federal Victim Notification System, discretionary grants for victim service organizations, victim assistance positions in the Dept. of Justice, financial support for the Children’s Justice Act Program, and assistance and compensation for victims and survivors of terrorism.

In 1988, the law was amended establishing the federal Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) as the administrator of the CVF. The CVF consists of deposits from federal criminal fines, forfeited bail bonds, penalties, and special assessments collected by U.S. Attorneys' Offices, federal courts, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act was signed into law in 2021, mandating that monetary penalties from federal deferred and non-prosecution agreements also be added to the CVF rather than the General Treasury. Crucially, the CVF does not use taxpayer dollars. Since 2007, more than $31 billion has been deposited into the CVF.

Because of VOCA and CVF, OVC is able to support thousands of programs annually with millions of dollars invested in services provided directly to crime victims who have suffered physical, emotional, and financial harm from victimization.

VOCA timeline: https://ovc.ojp.gov/ncvrw2024/helpful-resources-outreach/landmarks-victims-rights-and-services#5-0

Resources

Statewide resource

PALawHelp.org/voca is a new resource for victims of domestic violence, with “know your rights” information, the Victims Compensation Assistance Program, and PASafeLaw Helpline.