Counseling Referrals

Court/PFA Accompaniment

VCAP Application Assistance

Available Services
CDVS Provides

Preliminary Hearings

Referrals to Other Victim Services

Referrals to Community-Based Organizations

Victims’ Rights

As a victim of crime you have rights as well as standards of service that you can expect to receive. These standards of service help to ensure that you are provided with information, practical and emotional support and are able to participate fully in the criminal justice system. They were created to make sure that you are treated with dignity and respect at all times, regardless of your gender, age, marital status, race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability or religion. Your rights should be provided to you by several different agencies, which includes a state or local law enforcement agency, the prosecutor’s office, local correctional facility, Department of Corrections, Board of Probation of Parole, the juvenile probation office, Victim Service agencies and/or the Department of Public Welfare.

You have the right to be told about…

  • Basic services available to you in your county
  • Certain court events, including information on bail and the release or escape of the offender
  • The details of the final disposition of a case

You have the right to receive…

  • Notice of the arrest of the offender
  • Information about restitution and assistance with compensation
  • Accompaniment to all criminal proceedings by a family member, a victim advocate or a support person

You have the right to provide input into...

  • The sentencing decision and to receive help in preparing an oral and/or written victim impact statement
  • Post-sentencing decisions

Victim's Compensation
Assistance Program (VCAP)

The Victims Compensation Assistance Program helps victims, co-victims, witnesses and their families through the emotional and physical aftermath of a crime by easing the financial impact placed upon them by the crime.

VCAP provides reimbursement for expenses such as:

Medical Expenses
Loss of Support
Counseling
Stolen Cash Benefits
Loss of Earnings
Relocation Expenses
Funeral Expenses
Crime-Scene Cleanup

Don't Take Anything Personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

Don Miguel Ruiz

Counseling Services

Neighborhood crime hurts all of us. Victims of crime often feel discouraged, fearful, and isolated. Reassuring support often helps people to recover more quickly from the trauma of a robbery, assault, burglary, or other crime.

Counseling services are provided to victims of crimes to help them process traumatic events. Individual counseling is available as well as group counseling services.  All counseling services are FREE to victims and their families if approved by VCAP. If you have been a victim of a crime, CDVS can refer you to one of our partnering agencies for counseling services.

Women on the Rise Logo

Women's empowerment Program

Women On the Rise is a program through Central Division Victim Services designed to serve as well as empower women and femme folx in our community. The program provides support and resources to help them reach their full potential and achieve their goals. Our mission extends beyond individual support to include the broader communities we serve. Through a compassionate and empowering approach, we strive to create a network that not only aids in healing but also fosters resilience. By offering a range of comprehensive services, our program aims to uplift and empower women, which includes helping them navigate the journey of recovery and empowerment after experiencing trauma-related challenges. Through this holistic support, we contribute to building a stronger and more resilient community for all

For more information on VCAP and other state-level victim services, you can visit www.ova.pa.gov