What is a protection from abuse (PFA) order?

A protection from abuse (PFA) order is a court order that is designed to protect victims of domestic abuse in New York. It is a civil order that prohibits the abuser from contacting or having any contact with the person who the order is protecting. The PFA order can also forbid the abuser from coming to the protected person’s home, place of work, or other places. It can also order the abuser to stay away from a shared residence and not to communicate in any form (including through third parties) with the protected person. In order to obtain a PFA order, the victim will have to file a petition in family court. This is done by completing the necessary forms and providing the court with evidence of the abuse that has taken place. The court will then decide whether to issue a temporary PFA order or a final PFA order. The court may also order the abuser to participate in counseling and anger management programs, abide by specific restrictions, or pay certain fees. Furthermore, violating the terms of a PFA order is against the law and can result in criminal charges. In New York, PFA orders are an important legal tool that can protect victims of domestic abuse. While they are not foolproof, PFA orders can help to keep the victim safe and can be a powerful deterrent for the abuser.

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What is a protection from abuse (PFA) order?

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