The Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County (CVC) offers support and information to individuals seeking a Sexual Violence Protection Order (SVPO) or a Protection From Intimidation Order (PFI). If this is an emergency, please call 911.
SEXUAL VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDER
A Sexual Violence Protection Order (SVPO) is a legal tool designed to shield victims of sexual violence from ongoing abuse or intimidation by their perpetrator, even if no criminal charges have been filed.
While it shares similarities with a Protection From Abuse Order (PFA), the key distinction lies in the relationship between the victim and the abuser. Unlike a PFA, which requires an intimate or household relationship, an SVPOs are appropriate in cases of sexual violence where the victim and perpetrator do not have and have never had a family, household or intimate relationship and can be filed regardless of age.
PROTECTION FROM INTIMIDATION ORDER
PFIs (Protection From Intimidation Orders) are applicable in cases of harassment* or stalking* where the victim and the perpetrator have never had a family, household, or intimate partner relationship. Additionally, PFIs are only available when the victim is under 18 years old and the defendant is over 18. PFIs cannot be granted in cases involving two minors, two adults, or situations where a minor is stalking or harassing an adult. If the victim is under 18, an adult** must file the request on their behalf.
*As defined by Title 42 Pa.C.S. Chapter 62A
**In order for an adult to file on a minor’s behalf, the adult must be a parent, legal guardian, or adult household member
Videos
English- https://youtu.be/VuMMwgodAyY
Espanol- https://youtu.be/uwsr9CdiKd4
Brochures
Espanol- Opciones de Órdenes de protección civil en Pennsylvania
English-Options for Civil Protection Orders in Pennsylvania
If you would like to speak with an Advocate to discuss the SVPO or PFI process, or would like accompaniment, please call our 24/7 hotline.
If you need assistance with a traditional PFA, please call the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County at 1-888-711-6270.