Pennsylvania law

Domestic Violence Laws in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania domestic-violence protection is centered on the Protection from Abuse Act, which allows courts to grant emergency and final relief for abuse within covered relationships. These cases often overlap with custody, housing, firearms relinquishment, and criminal-enforcement issues.

Last verified: 2026-04-16

State law

Filing Requirements

Commencement of Proceedings23 Pa.C.S. §§ 6106, 6107

PFA proceedings begin through the court system and can include emergency or ex parte relief before a final hearing is held.

State law

Key Pennsylvania Statutes

Protection from Abuse Act23 Pa.C.S. § 6101 et seq.

Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act establishes who may seek protection, how proceedings begin, what relief a court may grant, and how orders are enforced.

Relief Available Under PFA Orders23 Pa.C.S. § 6108

Pennsylvania courts may order a wide range of relief in PFA cases, including no-contact provisions, removal from a residence, custody-related relief, and firearm relinquishment requirements.

State law

Official Sources

Pennsylvania General Assembly Pennsylvania Courts

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.

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Domestic Violence Laws in Pennsylvania.

Filing Requirements

Key Pennsylvania Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

Move from state law into guided help or attorney search.

Other state law topics.