Rule 1951.Definitions.

Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceRule 1951 defines the terms of the chapter on protecting victims of sexual violence or intimidation, including the 2014 Act it implements, emergency and temporary orders, the fees the chapter covers, and who counts as a plaintiff.

Full Text of Rule 1951

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As used in this chapter: the Act—Act of Mar. 21, 2014, P. L. 365, No. 25 relating to the protection of victims of sexual violence or intimidation, 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 62A01—62A20. action—a proceeding for protection from sexual violence or intimidation as defined in § 62A03 of the Act. court—the court of common pleas. emergency order—an order entered by a hearing officer, who is a person satisfying the definition set forth in 42 Pa.C.S. § 62A03. fees—any fees or costs, including but not limited to the filing, issuance, registration, service or appeal of a protection action under the Act, including any foreign protection order. temporary order or temporary protection order—an ex parte order entered by the court pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 62A06(b). plaintiff—an individual who applies for a protection order, either for the benefit of that individual or on behalf of another individual. protection order or order—an order issued under the Act.

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Plain-English Summary

“The Act” is the Act of March 21, 2014, P.L. 365, No. 25, codified at 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 62A01–62A20. An “action” is a proceeding for protection from sexual violence or intimidation as § 62A03 defines it, and “court” means the court of common pleas. An emergency order is one entered by a hearing officer who meets the statute’s definition, while a temporary protection order is an ex parte order the court enters under § 62A06(b). A plaintiff is anyone who applies for a protection order, whether for themselves or on behalf of another person.

“Fees” reaches any fee or cost, including those for filing, issuance, registration, service or appeal, and those for a foreign protection order. The definition matters because Rules 1953(c) and 1954(f) bar charging the plaintiff those fees. The emergency order also changes how a case begins: under Rule 1953(b), filing the certified emergency order with the prothonotary commences the action.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a protection of victims of sexual violence or intimidation action?

A court proceeding by which a victim of sexual violence or intimidation seeks a protective order under the 2014 Act.

Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. · Official text

Also known as: sexual violence protection orderPSVI actionprotection from intimidation