October 07, 2024 - York, PA
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) visited the York County Victim/Witness Unit today to highlight the support and services offered to survivors of domestic violence and the importance of the $5 million investment in the Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) in the Shapiro-Davis 2024-25 state budget."During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is essential to recognize the critical support available through PCCD's Office of Victims' Services and Pennsylvania's Victims Compensation Assistance Program," said Kathy Buckley, Director of Victims' Services for PCCD. "VCAP not only provides financial assistance to crime survivors during a difficult time of their lives, but also empowers them to reclaim their independence after experiencing trauma. This financial support also plays a key role in ensuring safety and recovery for domestic violence survivors. By raising awareness, we can help ensure that every survivor knows they are not alone and that resources are available to support their healing journey." VCAP serves as a critical financial lifeline for people who have experienced crime victimization by covering costs for medical bills and counseling, loss of earnings, loss of support, stolen cash, relocation, funeral, crime scene cleanup, and more. Over the past five years, PCCD has paid more than 76,000 VCAP claims totaling $65 million in eligible expenses for Commonwealth residents. In York County alone during that time period, VCAP has paid 2,822 claims totaling more than $2 million to support individuals in York County who have experienced crime victimization.List of Speakers:Faith Uhler-Myers, Deputy Administrator of York County DA's Office Victim/Witness UnitKathy Buckley, Director of Victims' Services, PCCDAngie Cardona, Amber Fullwood, & Megan Pace, Domestic Violence Coordinators York Victim/Witness UnitPaula Copeland, Chief Services Officer of YWCA YorkSarah Harvey, Director of YWCA Hanover Safe Home