Domestic violence affects individuals and families across Pennsylvania, and new data from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts sheds light on where Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders are being filed most frequently.

A PFA is a court order designed to protect victims of domestic violence from intimate partners, family members, or household members. These orders can prohibit an abuser from contacting the victim or their children -- whether in person, by phone, through text messages, or on social media. The abuser must also relinquish weapons and, in many cases, vacate the home shared with the victim.

Where PFAs Are Most Common in Pennsylvania

According to the latest statistics, Philadelphia County had the highest number of PFA orders in 2024, with 8,057 filings, accounting for nearly 19% of the state total. Allegheny County ranked second with 3,922 filings (9%).

Three southeastern Pennsylvania counties -- Delaware, Montgomery, and Berks -- rounded out the top five, each representing between 4% and 5% of all new PFAs filed statewide. Specifically, Delaware County had approximately 5% of PFAs. Montgomery County accounted for about 4.4% and Berks County for roughly 4.2%. Bucks County, with 770 PFAs, represented just 2% of the commonwealth’s cases.

In total, 41,980 new PFA orders were filed across Pennsylvania in 2024, a slight increase from 41,736 in 2023. While these numbers represent vital steps toward safety for many individuals, they also highlight the ongoing need for legal resources and community support for victims of domestic violence.

If you or someone you know is in an unsafe situation, a PFA order can provide immediate legal protection and peace of mind. But PFAs often come hand in hand with other sensitive family law matters -- such as divorce, custody, and financial security.

If you need help with a domestic violence situation in Pennsylvania, we have filed and defended many protection from abuse matters over the years. Allow us the opportunity to effectively represent you and take steps to protect your rights. Contact the top Bucks County divorce attorneys at Williams Family Law by phone at 215-340-2207 or email us at info@bucksfamilylawyers.com.