1. Victim and Witness Rights
- PA Office of Victim Services – Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)
Supports crime victims with financial compensation, advocacy resources, and legal rights under Pennsylvania law. - Pennsylvania Attorney General – Victims’ Rights
Provides information about crime victim rights, state resources, and reporting options for abuse or harassment.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- PA Law Help
Free statewide portal offering legal information, forms, and referrals for stalking, protection orders, and civil claims. - Neighborhood Legal Services Association
Provides free legal representation in southwestern Pennsylvania for issues including harassment, domestic abuse, and cyber defamation.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2709.1
What it means: Engaging in repeated conduct that causes another person to fear injury or substantial emotional distress. Includes following, surveillance, or digital threats. - Harassment: 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2709
What it means: Includes communication or actions intended to annoy, alarm, or threaten another person. Covers both physical and electronic contact. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Covered under 24 P.S. § 13-1303.1-A (Education Code)
What it means: Schools are required to adopt anti-bullying policies that address in-person and cyberbullying. Policies must include reporting and disciplinary procedures. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Based on Pennsylvania case law.
What it means: Civil lawsuits for libel or slander may be filed when false statements harm a person’s reputation. Pennsylvania does not have criminal defamation statutes.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Call 911 in case of emergency or threats to personal safety.
- File non-emergency complaints with local police departments or county magistrate courts.
- Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV)
Connects survivors to local shelters, legal aid, and trauma services across the state. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-934-7233
24/7 confidential support, safety planning, and legal referrals statewide.
5. Support Organizations
- Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Provides a network of local agencies offering advocacy, legal help, emergency housing, and prevention education. - YWCA York – ACCESS-York & Victim Assistance Center
Offers legal and crisis support, including court advocacy and shelter, to abuse victims in York County and surrounding areas.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
Pennsylvania allows victims to petition for a Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order or a Protection From Sexual Violence and Intimidation (PSVI) Order. These can restrict contact, surveillance, and other forms of harassment. Forms are available at courthouses or online, with legal aid and advocates available to assist with filing.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- PA Department of Education – Bullying Prevention
Offers guidelines for schools, students, and parents on bullying policy enforcement and complaint resolution.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- Unified Judicial System of PA – Protection From Abuse
Provides downloadable forms, filing instructions, and access to courthouse assistance programs.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Offers digital safety guidance for individuals targeted by cyberstalking, doxing, impersonation, or online abuse.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
