06/17/2026
The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC), through its STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant, is supporting a statewide effort to better understand how people impacted by interpersonal violence experience the court system. What is shared will help inform more responsive judicial education and identify opportunities for improvement across Pennsylvania courts.
They are inviting individuals across Pennsylvania who have engaged with the court system due to interpersonal violence to participate.
Eligibility Criteria:
Must be 18 or older
Involved in a Pennsylvania state court case within the past five years because of violence by a partner, family member, or someone close to you (including situations where the incident and court involvement occurred in Pennsylvania, regardless of where you have lived)
This may include:
Seeking protection or legal remedies, such as a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order or Sexual Violence Protection Order (SVPO)
Participating in a criminal case as a victim-witness or complainant (including domestic violence, s*xual assault, dating violence, stalking, or s*x trafficking)
Participating in civil, family, or custody court as a direct result of interpersonal or s*xual violence
Active court cases are not eligible for participation.
What participation involves:
A 60-minute confidential interview conducted by phone or Zoom (participant's choice). Interviews are flexible, including evenings and weekends, with breaks whenever needed. Participants receive a $75 gift card. Interpreter services are available at no cost. A 15-minute tech practice session is offered for anyone unfamiliar with Zoom.
Registration is open through August 3, 2026.
