Reporting Stalking to Pennsylvania Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in Pennsylvania.
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How to use this guide
This guide covers statewide Pennsylvania resources: the government agencies, hotlines, and courts that serve every county. Each section also tells you how to find the right local office near you.
Start here: Pennsylvania's Protection From Intimidation order covers stalking or harassment by anyone — you can file whether or not you reported to police.
Before you call: have your documentation ready — dates, what happened, any messages or photos saved, and whether a report has already been filed elsewhere.
If you're in danger: call 911 first. Every other number in this guide is for follow-up support, not emergency response.
Emergency & Immediate Danger
Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical
911
Call if you are in immediate danger, right now.
Pennsylvania State Police (find your local station)
Via psp.pa.gov
Maintains the statewide registry of active protection orders.
PA-SAVIN (offender custody notification)
Via psp.pa.gov
Free, confidential notification if a stalker is released from jail or prison.
Can't speak safely? In areas where Text-to-911 is supported, you can text instead of calling — check with your mobile carrier for coverage in your county.
Pennsylvania — Statewide Agencies
PA Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP)
1-800-233-2339
(717) 783-5153 · 3101 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110 · covers medical, counseling, and relocation expenses.
pcv.pccd.pa.gov ↗PA Office of Victim Advocate — Address Confidentiality Program
1-800-563-6399
Helps survivors of stalking, domestic violence, or sexual assault keep their address confidential.
pa.gov ↗PA Courts — Civil Protection Orders
Via pacourts.us
Official forms and instructions for PFA, PFI, and SVPO orders.
pacourts.us ↗Reporting to Local Police & Sheriffs
Stalking is usually reported to the police department in the city where you live or work, or to your county sheriff outside city limits.
Your local police department (non-emergency line)
Dial 911, or search “[your city] police non-emergency”
Stalking can be reported at any city police department or county sheriff's office.
Your county sheriff's office
Varies by county
Primary law enforcement in unincorporated parts of Pennsylvania.
Your Court of Common Pleas
Find yours via pacourts.us
File a Protection From Intimidation (PFI) order for stalking or harassment by anyone, or a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order for a family or household member.
Good to know: you can file a report at any police department, not only the one nearest the stalker. Ask for the officer's name, a complaint or case number, and how to follow up.
Civil Protection Orders in Pennsylvania
Protection From Intimidation (PFI): for stalking or harassment, regardless of your relationship to the offender or whether you reported to police.
Protection From Abuse (PFA): used instead when the stalker is a spouse, former spouse, co-parent, or other family or household member.
Sexual Violence Protection Order (SVPO): a third option specifically for victims of sexual violence.
Where to file
Your county Court of Common Pleas, often through the Protection From Abuse Office.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect
Filing a Police Report
- 1Go to any police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker.
- 2Ask to speak with an officer and say clearly that you want to report stalking or harassment.
- 3Bring your documentation: dates, messages, photos, and names of any witnesses.
- 4Ask for the report's complaint number before you leave, and request a copy if possible.
- 5Ask about victim assistance resources — many departments have a victim advocate or can refer you to VCAP.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Go to your county Court of Common Pleas and ask for a Protection From Intimidation (PFI) petition.
- 2Describe each incident with as much detail as possible — dates, what happened, and any pattern you've noticed.
- 3File the petition with the court; it does not matter whether you've already reported to police.
- 4A judge can issue a temporary order, with a final hearing scheduled within 10 business days.
- 5The Pennsylvania State Police registry records the order statewide — keep a copy with you, at home, and at work.
Specialized Support
PA ChildLine (child abuse/neglect)
1-800-932-0313
24/7, statewide — reports can be made anonymously.
PA Elder Abuse Hotline
1-800-490-8505
24/7, statewide — for abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an older adult.
Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| Pennsylvania State Police (find your local station) | Via psp.pa.gov | Emergency |
| PA-SAVIN (offender custody notification) | Via psp.pa.gov | Emergency |
| PA Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) | 1-800-233-2339 | Statewide |
| PA Office of Victim Advocate — Address Confidentiality Program | 1-800-563-6399 | Statewide |
| PA Courts — Civil Protection Orders | Via pacourts.us | Statewide |
| PA ChildLine (child abuse/neglect) | 1-800-932-0313 | Specialized |
| PA Elder Abuse Hotline | 1-800-490-8505 | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in Pennsylvania
How do I report stalking in Pennsylvania?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, file a report with your local police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker. Bring dates, messages, photos, and witness names, and ask for the complaint or case number before you leave.
What should I do first if I think I'm being stalked in Pennsylvania?
Stop engaging and start documenting. Save every message, call log, and screenshot with dates and times, and keep a written log of each incident. Then report it to local law enforcement using the contacts in this guide, and call 911 any time you are in immediate danger.
How do I get a protective order in Pennsylvania?
Protection From Intimidation (PFI): for stalking or harassment, regardless of your relationship to the offender or whether you reported to police. Protection From Abuse (PFA): used instead when the stalker is a spouse, former spouse, co-parent, or other family or household member. Sexual Violence Protection Order (SVPO): a third option specifically for victims of sexual violence.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in Pennsylvania?
Filing fees vary by court in Pennsylvania, but many protection-order petitions for stalking victims are free or fee-waived. The court listed in this guide can confirm the current fee before you file.
Can I get financial help for stalking-related costs in Pennsylvania?
Yes — Pennsylvania has a victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. Contact PA Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) at 1-800-233-2339.
What counts as stalking under Pennsylvania law?
Stalking is a repeated pattern of unwanted conduct — following you, repeated calls, texts, or messages, showing up uninvited, tracking your location, or making threats — that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety. In Pennsylvania, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in Pennsylvania if the stalker lives in another state?
Yes. File the report where you live or where the stalking occurred. If the behavior crosses state lines, tell the officer — some cases may involve cross-jurisdiction or federal enforcement.
Can I report stalking anonymously in Pennsylvania?
You can submit tips anonymously through statewide hotlines, and many child and adult abuse hotlines accept anonymous reports. For a criminal case, your name may need to appear on the report — ask the agency about its confidentiality policy.
What evidence should I save when reporting stalking in Pennsylvania?
Save every message, email, voicemail, screenshot, and call log with dates and times; keep a written incident log; and note any witnesses. Back everything up to a secure location the stalker cannot access.
Where can I download the printable Pennsylvania reporting guide?
You can download the free Pennsylvania reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-Pennsylvania-Officials.pdf. It includes every phone number and court contact in one printable sheet.
Disclaimer
The information on Stalking.org is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or mental-health advice, and it does not create an attorney-client or other professional relationship. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 (United States) or your local emergency number — Stalking.org is not a crisis hotline. Laws and platform policies change frequently, so always consult a qualified attorney, law enforcement officer, or licensed professional about your specific situation.
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