Protection From Abuse Program
of Jefferson County Pennsylvania

An adult or emancipated minor who has been placed in reasonable fear of imminent serious bodily injury or who was physically or sexually abused is entitled to seek an Order of Protection from Abuse. Victims seeking a protection from abuse are directed to contact the coordinator at the Crossroads Agency; a lawyer is not needed to ask for protection.

The coordinator will provide intake services, prepare the Temporary Petition, and appear with the victim at the emergency hearing before the Court. If the temporary Order is granted, a date for hearing will be set within ten days and the Sheriff will serve the Order upon the defendant.

The victim will be provided the services of counsel to appear at the hearing. If the victim needs help on a weekend they must go to the District Justice of the magisterial district where the abuse occurred and seek and Emergency Protection Order. This order is in effect until the Monday following the weekend and the victim will be directed to contact the Crossroads coordinator to assist with obtaining a continuance of the Emergency Order. A Final Order entered by the court can be made for a period of up to 18 months.

Domestic violence services are offered in every county in Pennsylvania. These include crisis hotlines, safe homes or shelters, legal advocacy, community education, counseling, as well as information and referral.

The local hotline number is 1-800-598-3998