A plaintiff may file a private criminal complaint against a defendant alleging indirect criminal contempt for a violation of any provision of a protection order or agreement with the court, the Office of the District Attorney or the magisterial district judge in the jurisdiction or county where the violation occurred. However, in a county of the first class, a complaint may be filed only with the Family Divi- sion of the Court of Common Pleas or the Office of the District Attorney.
Rule 1955.Enforcement.
Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1955 lets a plaintiff enforce a sexual-violence-or-intimidation protection order by filing a private criminal complaint for indirect criminal contempt when the defendant violates it.
Full Text of Rule 1955
Plain-English Summary
A protection order has force only if violations carry consequences. This rule lets a plaintiff file a private criminal complaint against a defendant who violates any provision of the order, charging indirect criminal contempt. The charge brings the violator before the court to answer for breaking the order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a sexual-violence protection order is violated?
The plaintiff may file a private criminal complaint for indirect criminal contempt.
Official Note
Official Note: See 42 Pa.C.S. § 62A13.
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: enforce PSVI orderindirect criminal contempt sexual violenceviolation of protection order