The following is a list of information that may assist victims
BEFORE they come to the courthouse to file a petition:

1. Call Schuylkill Women in Crisis' 24 hour hotline numbers at (800) 282-0634 or 622-6220 for more information.
      
2. Abuse Court is held Mondays at 8:30 A.M. in the assigned courtroom with the exception of a holiday.  
    
3. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, a staff person is present in the Victim Advocate Office form 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. to assist victims who need to file a petition.  Victims should expect a minimum of one hour to complete just the petition.  The assigned Judge will conduct the hearing at 1:30 P.M..  Therefore, victims should come to the office to start the process as early as possible.
    
4. Tuesdays and Thursdays are considered strictly emergency days; therefore, please call our 24 hour hotline for more clarification.
      
5. If an incident occurs on a weekend, holiday or during evening hours when the courthouse is closed and a victim needs a PFA Order, the victim should contact the local police and request that they contact the on-call District Justice.  If an Order is obtained through this process, this "Emergency Order" will expire at the end of the next business day of court.  The District Justice will provide the victim with instructions on how to proceed for a Temporary Order.
    
6. Victims should bring as much of the following information as possible: the abuser's current address and telephone number; date of birth and social security number; current employer's name, address and telephone number; a list of weapons in the abuser's possession and/or those that have been used or threatened to use against the victim.
    
7. Bring a brief description of the facts of the most recent incident of abuse including threats made, weapons used, injuries and/or bruises sustained,  medical treatment sought and any reports to law enforcement.  
   
8. Write a brief description of the facts of past incidents of abuse with approximate dates for each.  
   
9. Child(ren) under the age of 18 years cannot file a petition for a PFA Order.  Therefore, if a minor wants to request a PFA order, an adult must file the petition on the child's behalf; the minor child must be present at the time of the filing.
      
10. Children of victims are welcome at the office  when their parent is filing the petition.  Please keep in mind that the office is small and the length of time this process takes can be hours. Parents are urged to bring snacks, baby supplies, and medication, if they cannot leave their child(ren) with someone safe.
     
11. The cost of filing an order is $60.50.  This cost is not addressed until the hearing for the Final Order.  Usually, the defendant (abuser) is ordered to pay this cost. If the victims withdraws the petition for a Final Order, then the victim is ordered to pay the cost.  Cost can only be waived at the discretion of the Judge.        

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