Pennsylvania Protective Order Filings Declined in 2025
Statewide data showed a reduction in abuse protection petitions despite localized increases in specific counties.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Sex Crimes
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Pennsylvania residents filed nearly 41,600 petitions for protective orders in 2025. This total represented a decrease of approximately 380 filings compared to 2024.
Why it matters
The statewide decline provides insight into how protection order usage fluctuated across the Commonwealth throughout 2025. While overall numbers dropped, specific regions reported a different trend.
Pennsylvania courts received roughly 41,600 petitions for protective orders during 2025. This total reflects a reduction of 380 cases when measured against the 2024 filing period.
The players
Erie County
This administrative division in northwestern Pennsylvania is one of the three counties that saw an increase in abuse protection petitions in 2025.
Lancaster County
Located in south-central Pennsylvania, this region reported a rise in the number of protection orders sought during 2025.
Allegheny County
As the second-most populous county in Pennsylvania, it is noted for recording an increase in protective order petitions in 2025.
The details
While the total number of petitions filed across the state decreased, Erie, Lancaster, and Allegheny counties recorded an increase in abuse protection petitions for the year. Legal authorities continue to monitor these variations in protective order activity across different jurisdictions.
Timeline
Protective order petitions were filed across Pennsylvania throughout 2024.
Statewide petition filings were tracked across Pennsylvania during 2025.
Legal Context
This data on protective orders mirrors the 2025 Pennsylvania state court filing trends regarding domestic relations. The report captures how localized fluctuations often contrast with the aggregate statewide legal statistics.
The variation in petition filings between rural and urban regions may influence how local agencies allocate resources for domestic protection services. Residents can contact their local court clerk for information on how to access protection order resources in their specific county.
The takeaway
Understanding court filing data can help communities better gauge the demand for local protective services. Residents are encouraged to review official guidance from their county courts to ensure they understand the process for seeking legal protection.
Further reading
For additional context regarding judicial reporting, visit Pennsylvania Sex Crimes.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Go Erie.
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