Restraining Orders

For the purpose of getting a protection from sexual violence or intimidation order, the abuser must have committed one of two crimes against you: “sexual violence” or “intimidation” (although the abuser does not have to be arrested/reported to the police).

Sexual violence is defined as actions that fall under any of these crimes:

• sexual offenses (listed under Title 18, Chapter 31 of the law - we list many here);
• endangering the welfare of children if the offense involved sexual contact with the children;
• corruption of minors; 
• sexual abuse of children; 
• unlawful contact with a minor; or  
• sexual exploitation of children.¹

Intimidation is when an abuser, who is 18 or older, commits either of these crimes against you if you are under the age of 18:

• harassment (sections (A)(4), (5), (6) or (7) of the law); or
• stalking.¹

¹ 42 Pa.C.S. § 62A03