Protection From Abuse (PFA) Information
WHAT IS A PROTECTION FROM ABUSE ORDER (PFA)?
A PFA is a civil order of the Court available to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. It prohibits the offender from abusing, stalking, harassing, threatening or attempting to use physical force that would reasonably cause bodily injury to the victim.
WHO CAN OBTAIN A PFA ORDER?
- A spouse or former spouse of the offender
- A parent of a common child of the offender
- A current or former sexual or intimate partner with the offender
- A child of the victim
- A child of the offender
- A family member related by blood/marriage to the offender
- A sibling (person who shares biological parenthood) of the offender
- A current or former cohabitant (person who lives with) like a spouse of the offender
HOW AND WHERE DO I FILE FOR A PFA ORDER?
Appear in person to file a petition for relief (see the “How Do I” video in English or en Español, both of which are located on this webpage)
Monday - Friday, 8:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. ***
(excluding all major holidays and any day the Courthouse is closed)
Monroe County Courthouse
Monroe County Prothonotary
610 Monroe Street, Suite 323
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Tel: (570) 517-3370
***To file a petition outside of the hours listed above, contact your local police department for referral to the Court-designated Duty Magisterial District Judge. An Emergency PFA may be issued by the Court-designated Duty Magisterial District Judge.
When issued, the Emergency PFA is valid until the end of the next business day or until the end of business the next day that the Court of Common Pleas is available.
HOW LONG DOES A PFA ORDER LAST?
· An Emergency PFA Order is effective from the time of issuance until the end of business the next day the court of common pleas is available.
· A Temporary PFA Order is effective for 7-10 days.
· The Final PFA Order can be in effect for up to 3 years.
Additional information and forms (in English and en Español), are also available through the Pennsylvania Courts Website:
Under ”For the Public”, scroll to “Civil Protection Orders” OR “Órdenes de Protección Civiles”. Applicable forms are found under each of these headings.