Protection From Abuse Order (PFA) - A PFA is a special type of restraining order which is available only to victims of domestic violence. It is a civil order of the court telling a defendant not to harm the victim again.

Who Can File For a Protection From Abuse Order? Anyone assaulted or threatened by a family or household member (present or former) can file for a PFA. The definition of a family or household mem-ber includes persons who:

• Are or were married to one another
• Are living or have lived together as spouses; or
• Are parents and children; or
• Are related by blood or marriage; or
• Are or have been sexual or intimate partners; or
• Have children together.

Where is the PFA Office Located?
The PFA Office is located in Suite 365 on the 3rd Floor of the Older Portion of Blair County Court House. The address is

Protection From Abuse Office
423 Allegheny Street
Suite 365
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648

The phone number is: 814-693-0130.

Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Other Helpful Contacts

How Does the Law Define "Abuse?" Under the PFA Act, abuse is defined as:

• Tried to or actually injured you; or
• Tried to or actually raped or sexually assaulted you; or
• Acted in a way to make you fear immediate serious injury; or
• Held or imprisoned you against your will; or
• Did any of the above to children.

What Protection Does a Protection From Abuse Order Provide?
A PFA can:

• Direct the abusing person to stop threatening or hurting you;
• Evict the abusing person from the home;
• Give temporary custody of your children to you; defendant's visitation with minor children can be arranged through a third party at the final PFA hearing;
• Direct the abuser not to contact you at home, work or school;
• Direct the abuser not to harass you or your relatives;
• Order the abuser to surrender weapons to authorities that were used or threatened to be used during the incident of abuse.

How Long Can a Final Protection From Abuse Order Last? A final PFA can be granted for up to 36 months.

How Is the Abuser Notified Of the Protection From Abuse Order? The abuser must be given a copy of the PFA. The Blair County Sheriff's Office will serve a copy to the abuser; therefore, it is important to know an address to locate the abuser.

Can a Protection From Abuse Order and Criminal Charges be Filed Against an Abuser For the Same Incident? Yes, both can be done simultaneously.

What Happens If the Protection From Abuse Order Is Violated? Report any violation to the police. The abuser can be arrested for a violation of the PFA. You may want to carry a picture and/or a description of the defendant to supply the police officer responding to the violation. This will save time and aid the speed of arrest.

Where Does Someone File For a Protection From Abuse Order? A PFA petition can be filed through Legal Services, a private attorney or at the PFA Office. If filing through the PFA Office, it is necessary for you to be there before 2 p.m. and plan to be there approxi-mately one to two hours.

What If a Protection From Abuse Order is Needed at Night or on Weekends? Contact your local police department; an Emergency PFA may be granted through a district justice.

What Information is Needed for a Protection from Abuse Order? Besides a location, it is important to know the abuser's birth date and/or Social Security number. A recent photo is also helpful.

Is There a Cost to File a Protection from Abuse Order? No, not at the time of filing, but the court imposes costs at the time of the Final PFA hearing - many times assigned to the abuser.

Remember - Leaving Your Abusive Partner Is the Most Dangerous Time