Domestic Abuse Resources For Survivors In Montgomery County, PA
The COVID-19 crisis has led to stress for everyone. Restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of the virus can lead to more severe cases of domestic violence. If you feel trapped and isolated, there are many resources to help you through this tumultuous time.
Consider reaching out to one of these services in the Montgomery County area. All are free and confidential:
- Laurel House has a 24-hour hotline 1-800-642-3150. Direct Phone number during business hours: 610-277-1860.
- Montgomery County Victim Services Montgomery County Courthouse Phone: 610-278-3144.
- Legal Aid of Southeast Pa.: Provides a variety of legal services to low income and vulnerable people residing in Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, and Delaware Counties. Phone: 610-275-5400 #3.
You can also file a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order, which is a civil order that you file on behalf of yourself or those for whom you are legally responsible. You can also have an attorney help you file. You may file against a current or former intimate partner, a family member who is abusing or stalking you, or an individual who is legally in your care (note: this does not include strangers or roommates). It covers a variety of optional requests.
Although Montgomery County courts are closed for most in-person functions during the pandemic, you can still seek a PFA order. You can call 911 if your health or safety is in jeopardy. You can also contact the court directly as the Norristown office opens every weekday at 9am. PFA petitioners are encouraged to arrive no later than noon to ensure that the Court will hear their cases. For more information, please call 610-278-1191. For after-hours assistance, call the 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-773-2424 and you can find a
wealth of information
on their website montcopa.org. When the courthouse is closed, you can file for an emergency PFA by calling 911, or the countywide radio room at 610-275-1222, and you will be connected with the Magisterial District Justice on duty.
In some instances, you can also pursue an emergency custody order or custody modification. Feel free to reach out to one of our family law attorneys for guidance on your situation. Our firm is working remotely. We have full access to all of our files and firm resources, and will be answering our phones and checking telephone messages left at our office on a regular basis.
