How to Seek Legal Protection from Abuse with a Protective Order
Aug. 4, 2025
Experiencing abuse is often overwhelming and isolating, but it’s important to know that legal protections are available to help protect your safety and well-being. Protective orders, often referred to as restraining orders, can offer relief and a sense of security for those facing abusive behavior.
At Iwanyshyn & Associates, we are committed to providing individuals with the support they need for establishing protective orders in Pennsylvania. Our attorneys can help you better understand protective orders, the types available, the process of obtaining one, and the protections they provide.
What Is a Protective Order?
A protective order is a court-issued legal document that aims to protect victims of abuse, harassment, stalking, or threats by legally restricting the offender’s actions. These orders are designed to prevent further harm by imposing specific limitations on the person causing harm—commonly referred to as the respondent. This might involve prohibiting the respondent from engaging in certain actions, such as:
Contacting the victim
Entering the victim’s home
Coming within a certain distance of public spaces frequented by the victim
These orders are enforceable by law, which means that violating the terms of a protective order can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines, arrest, or imprisonment. Protective orders serve as both a preventative and responsive measure to help protect victims who fear their safety or well-being is in jeopardy.
Types of Protective Orders in Pennsylvania
The state of Pennsylvania recognizes several types of protective orders. Each type of order is tailored to address specific forms of abuse or harassment. The primary types of protective orders issued in Pennsylvania include the following.
Protection from Abuse (PFA) Orders
PFA orders are intended for individuals experiencing domestic violence or abuse from someone with whom they have an intimate or familial relationship. This includes current or former spouses, intimate partners, household members, parents, or children. These orders cover abuse such as physical harm, sexual assault, threats that cause fear of imminent harm, or repeated acts of harassment. PFAs can be further categorized into:
Emergency PFAs: These provide immediate protection outside of normal court hours, such as nights or weekends, when the court is unavailable.
Temporary PFAs: Granted during normal court hours, these provide short-term protection until a full hearing can take place.
Final PFAs: Issued after a court hearing, these can last up to three years and may be extended under certain circumstances.
Sexual Violence Protection Orders (SVPOs)
SVPOs are specifically designed for victims of sexual violence who do not have a familial or intimate relationship with the offender. These orders aim to provide protection from individuals who have committed acts such as sexual assault, human trafficking, or other non-consensual sexual acts. Similar to PFAs, SVPOs restrict the respondent’s ability to contact or approach the victim.
Protection from Intimidation (PFI) Orders
PFIs are available to minors under the age of 18 who have been harassed or intimidated by an adult (someone aged 18 or older). These orders provide legal protection to young victims by controlling the respondent's behavior and preventing further intimidation.
Legal Protections Offered by Protective Orders
A protective order can offer significant legal protection to victims of abuse or violence. Some of the primary benefits of a protective order include the following:
No contact or communication: Protective orders restrict the respondent from emailing, texting, calling, or otherwise contacting the victim.
Stay-away provisions: Protective orders prohibit the respondent from entering specific locations, such as the victim’s home, workplace, or school.
Temporary child custody or support: Some protective orders may grant custody rights to the petitioner or require the respondent to provide financial support to their dependents.
Surrender of firearms: Depending on the offense, some protective orders may require the respondent to surrender any firearms or weapons to law enforcement.
The specific protections offered will depend on the nature of the abuse and the court’s assessment of your needs. If you or someone you know has been a victim of abuse or violence and is seeking a protective order, reach out to an experienced family law attorney as soon as possible.
How to Obtain a Protective Order
Seeking legal protection can often feel daunting, but the process for obtaining a protective order in Pennsylvania is designed to be as straightforward as possible. At Iwanyshyn & Associates, we can help you determine which type of protective order best suits your needs and guide you through the process of obtaining one. Typically, the process takes the following steps.
Contact an attorney: Partner with an experienced family law attorney who can help you understand your options, prepare your petition, gather evidence, and represent you during court hearings.
File the petition: You will first need to file a petition at the court that has jurisdiction over your case. This is typically the family court in the county where you reside. Be sure to provide detailed information about the abuse or threats you’ve experienced, including dates, times, and descriptions of specific incidents, along with any evidence you can provide, such as text messages, emails, or photos.
Receive a temporary order: If the court determines that immediate protection is necessary, a temporary protective order may be granted. This order remains in effect until the court schedules a hearing for a final order.
Court hearing: A hearing will be scheduled typically within 10 business days of filing the petition. Both you and the respondent will have an opportunity to present evidence and testify. It’s crucial to prepare for this hearing, as the judge will use the information presented to decide whether to issue a final protective order. Our attorneys can guide you through this process to help you build a strong case and make sure your voice is heard.
Receive a final order: If the judge grants a final protective order, it will detail the specific terms and duration of the protection, which can be extended as the situation warrants.
Contact an Experienced Family Law Attorney in Pennsylvania
At Iwanyshyn & Associates, we understand the courage it takes to confront abusive behavior and seek legal protection. Our family law attorneys are dedicated to supporting clients through every step of the process, from filing the initial petition to representing them in court. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we will work tirelessly to make sure you receive the protection you need.
If you’re in a situation where you believe a protective order might be necessary, reach out to us as soon as possible. With an office in Allison Park, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania, including Cranberry Township, Butler County, Beaver County, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.