Commonly Asked Questions About
a Protection From Abuse Order (PFA)

Who can get a Protection from Abuse Order?

Any adult over 18 years of age or an emancipated minor  who has been abused as defined in the law by any of the following parties:

• spouse or ex-spouse
• blood relative
• sexual or intimate partner (including gay or lesbian partner)
• household member
• parents/children.

How does the law define abuse?

According to the law, a person has been abused if they were

• physically and/or sexually assaulted
• being placed in reasonable fear of imminent serious bodily injury
• held or imprisoned against their will
• stalked
• and/or any of the above to children.

How does the law define stalking in the
Protection from Abuse Act?

The abuser knowingly engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts toward a person, including following the person, which places that person in reasonable fear of bodily injury.

What relief can a Protection from Abuse Order provide?

A PFA Order can:

• direct the abuser to stop threatening or hurting the victim.
• evict the abuser from the home of the victim.
• give temporary custody of any dependent children to the victim and allow abuser supervised and/or limited visitation.
• direct the abuser not to contact the victim at home, work or school in any manner.
• order the abuser to surrender weapons which were used or threatened to be used against the victim.

How long can a PFA Order last?

The maximum length of time a Final Order can be in effect is 18 months.

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