| Service Name | Description | Location | Program | Agency |
|---|
| Accompaniment - Women's Resource Center | Accompaniment to medical, police, and court proceedings related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and/or stalking. | Susquehanna | Women's Resource Center - Crisis and Advocacy Services Program | Women's Resource Center |
| Accompaniment - Women's Resource Center | Accompaniment to medical, police, and court proceedings related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and/or stalking. | Lackawanna | Women's Resource Center - Crisis and Advocacy Services Program | Women's Resource Center |
| A Safe Place - Accompaniment | Accompaniment to the hospital, legal services, police or other helping agencies. | Warren | A Safe Place | A Safe Place |
| Beginning Over Foundation | Services for victims of domestic violence includes salon makeovers, legal consultation, court preparation and accompaniment, transitional housing and information and referrals to other community resources. Also has free 72-hour kennel services for pets of women receiving other services.
Offers programs in dating violence and bullying prevention and works with cosmetology schools to help hairdressers recognize the warning signs of abuse in their clients. | Northampton | Beginning Over Foundation | Beginning Over Foundation |
| Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly - Providing Advocacy for Victimized Elders (PAVE) | PAVE (Providing Advocacy for Victimized Elderly) is a victim assistance program through CARIE LINE that provides services to older adults that are related to elder crime.
- Court accompaniment to the Criminal Justice Center (CJC)
- Facilitation of transportation to court
- Assistance with filing Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC)
- Criminal justice and aging information
- Community education and presentations
- Assistance with preparing Victim Impact Statements (VIS)
- Restitution assistance. | Philadelphia | Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly - Philadelphia; Center City | Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly |
| Center for Victims | Center for Victims works closely with the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office and the police to assist you in your interactions with both entities. We also work to ensure your rights. Center for Victims is a separate, non-profit organization that serves the needs of crime victims, witnesses, families and communities impacted by violence.
Crime Victim Services::- Victims’ Rights Information
- Legal Support – Accompaniment & Advocacy
- Counseling and Therapy
- Victims Compensation Assistance
- Offender Release Information & Notification
- Advocacy
- Victim Offender Dialogue (Restorative Justice Program)
Domestic Violence Services::Protection From Abuse Order AssistanceCounseling & Safety PlanningChildren’s Advocacy and CounselingMedical AdvocacySexual Assault Services::- Medical Advocacy & Accompaniment
Visit website for details. | Allegheny | Center for Victims | Center for Victims |
| Center for Victims - Advocacy and Accompaniment | CVVC's advocates help victims and witnesses navigate various institutions criminal justice, medical, social welfare, and financial compensation - that can be confusing. Advocates inform clients about court and other proceedings and provide much-needed support by accompanying them throughout the process. | Allegheny | Center for Victims - Advocacy and Accompaniment | Center for Victims |
| Citizens Against Physical, Sexual and Emotional Abuse - Victim/Witness Program | Services Available Orientation to the Criminal Justice System and/or Juvenile Justice System Assistance with Intimidation Protections Notification of Significant Actions and Proceedings Case Status Information Appeal Information Assistance with Victim Impact Statements Assistance with Restitution Claim Forms Provide Victim's Rights Notification Information and assistance relating to filing Crime Victims Compensation Accompaniment to hospital, police, court, etc. Crises Intervention Supportive Counseling Community Referral Assitance with Property Return Emergency Child Care for Court Purposes Employer/Creditor Intervention Transportation for court purposes | Elk | Citizens Against Physical, Sexual and Emotional Abuse | Citizens Against Physical, Sexual and Emotional Abuse |
| Clinton County Victim/Witness Office | Victim/Witness Office provides information, assistance and advocacy to all victims and witnesses. The mission of the Victim/Witness Office is to ensure the rights of crime victims are protected and that the criminal justice system treats crime victims and witnesses with fairness, compassion, dignity, and respect. | Clinton | Clinton County Government | Clinton County Government |
| Crime Victim Center of Erie County - Sexual Assault Services | 24 hour hotline, free and confidential counseling, accompaniment to an ER (Hospital) or police station, court accompaniment, assistance with filing for victim's compensation, assistance with restitution, assistance with victim impact statements, and community education. | Erie | Crime Victim Center of Erie County | Crime Victim Center of Erie County |
| Crime Victims' Center of Chester County - Accompaniment and Advocacy | CVC Advocates provide accompaniment to medical, law enforcement, Adult/Juvenile Criminal Justice and Civil procedures for victims of crime, their families and/or significant others. Following a victimization/violence these procedures can be overwhelming, difficult and confusing. Accompaniment/advocacy services are provided by CVC to assist victims, family members and/or significant others through these often difficult procedures. | Chester | Crime Victims Center of Chester County - Chester; West Chester | Crime Victims' Center of Chester County |
| Crime Victim's Center of Fayette County Medical and Legal Accompaniment for Crime Victims | Qualified advocates are available to accompany the victims to the hospital and all legal proceedings. Provides emotional support, explains procedures and can accompany the victim throughout this entire process. | Fayette | Medical and Legal Accompaniment for Crime Victims | Crime Victim's Center of Fayette County |
| Crime Victim Support | Accompaniment: A VWAP advocate accompanies you to any and all court proceedings, meetings and interviews with law enforcement, hospital visits, meetings with attorney's etc.
Advocacy: VWAP is your voice in and throughout the entire criminal justice system advocating on behalf of you and your rights every step of the way.
Case Status Update: VWAP updates you of every action that occurs in your case via written correspondence and phone contact.
Courtroom Orientation: VWAP walks you through the courtroom experience with a training video, kid's court programs and one-on-one sessions with an advocate.
Creditor / Employer / School Intercession: VWAP advocates on your behalf with creditors, employers, schools or whomever else when needed.
Crisis Intervention: VWAP offers a 24-hour hotline for any and all clients in immediate need of assistance.
Early Outreach: VWAP makes every attempt to contact you within 10 days of the crime that was committed against you providing we have the police report or information from the courts.
Child Care & Transportation: VWAP assists with childcare and transportation needs during your time at court proceedings when you are unable to find alternative means.
Information & Referral: VWAP provides you with all information regarding your rights, the criminal justice system and much more. We will make appropriate referrals when necessary.
Separate Waiting Area: VWAP makes sure you have a separate place to sit while your waiting for your court proceeding.
Supportive Counseling: VWAP advocates are not certified counselors however, we are trained to handle any and all crisis situations and able to help you with the trauma and grief you are experiencing.
Victim Rights Notification: Upon your first encounter with VWAP, we inform you of your rights as a victim of a crime in Pennsylvania.
Victim Witness Intimidation: If you are being intimidated because of your involuntary involvement in the criminal justice system, VWAP advocates on your behalf to ensure your safety. In addition, we have a Witness Relocation Program that ensures the safety of our clients.
| Dauphin | Dauphin County Victim/Witness Assistance | Dauphin County Victim/Witness Assistance |
| Franklin County Victim/Witness Office | Victims are provided with:
* An Orientation to the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems
* Accompaniment to Court Proceedings
* Assistance with Filing a Crime Victims Compensation Claim
* Assistance with Preparing a Victim Impact Statement
* Notification of Case Status
* Enrollment in the State and Local Correctional Release Notification Programs
* Prior Comment on Possibility of Reducing or Dropping Charges
* Community Referrals | Franklin | Franklin County Victim/Witness Office | Franklin County Victim/Witness Office |
| HAVEN - Accompaniment Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence | Legal advocate available to accompany victims to the police station and court hearings, and provide support during difficult times. The medical advocate, available 24 hours a day, can accompany a victim to the Emergency Room, as well as to doctor's appointments or hospital visits.
| Tioga | HAVEN - Helping Abuse and Violence End Now | HAVEN - Helping Abuse and Violence End Now |
| HAVIN, Inc. ( Helping All Victims in Need ) | Provides services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Services include shelter, crisis hotline, advocacy and accompaniment, transportation to shelter, education, and outreach. All services are free and confidential. | Armstrong | HAVIN, Inc. | Helping All Victims In Need (HAVIN, Inc) |
| Legal Advocacy and Medical Advocacy - Victims' Intervention Program Wayne & Pike Counties | Serves Wayne & Pike Counties. Provides Legal Advocacy and Medical Advocacy to victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking and other serious crimes. Services are for all men, women and children who are fleeing domestic violence or human trafficking.
Legal Advocacy includes:
-Accompaniment and transportation to Court, Legal proceedings, Legal Aid Agency, Police, and Social Service Agencies.
-Assistance in filing Protection from Abuse Orders(PFA).
-Assistance in filing Protection from Intimidation
Orders(PFI).
-Assistance in filing Protections from Sexual Violence
Orders(SVO).
-Assistance with Crime Victim Compensation claims.
-Support with legal issues, i.e. divorce, child custody, child support.
Medical advocacy includes:
-Assistance with making medical appointments.
-Accompaniment and transportation to hospitals, doctors and medical professionals. | Wayne | Victims' Intervention Program Wayne & Pike Counties | Victims' Intervention Program Wayne & Pike Counties |
| Medical Advocacy - The Women's Center, Inc. of Columbia/Montour | One of five programs in the state to have developed a protocol to handle and recognize the signs/symptoms of domestic violence and its victims in the emergency department. | Columbia | The Women's Center, Inc. of Columbia/Montour | The Women's Center, Inc. of Columbia/Montour |
| PASSAGES, Inc. - Clarion County - Legal and Medical Advocacy / Accompaniment | Staff and/or direct service volunteers can accompany victims/ survivors through medical examinations related to sexual violence and any appointments for medical follow-up. Staff are also available to accompany victims/survivors through any legal proceedings related to their sexual assault. This includes police interviews, preliminary hearings, trials, sentencing, etc. In addition, clients will be kept apprised of the progress of their case through the criminal justice system and assisted with the preparation of victim impact statements. | Clarion | PASSAGES, Inc. - Clarion County | PASSAGES, Inc. |
| PASSAGES, Inc. - Clearfield County - Legal and Medical Advocacy / Accompaniment | Staff and/or direct service volunteers can accompany victims/ survivors through medical examinations related to sexual violence and any appointments for medical follow-up. Staff are also available to accompany victims/survivors through any legal proceedings related to their sexual assault. This includes police interviews, preliminary hearings, trials, sentencing, etc. In addition, clients will be kept apprised of the progress of their case through the criminal justice system and assisted with the preparation of victim impact statements. | Clearfield | PASSAGES, Inc. - Clearfield County | PASSAGES, Inc. |
| PASSAGES, Inc. - Jefferson County - Legal and Medical Advocacy / Accompaniment | Staff and/or direct service volunteers can accompany victims/ survivors through medical examinations related to sexual violence and any appointments for medical follow-up. Staff are also available to accompany victims/survivors through any legal proceedings related to their sexual assault. This includes police interviews, preliminary hearings, trials, sentencing, etc. In addition, clients will be kept apprised of the progress of their case through the criminal justice system and assisted with the preparation of victim impact statements. | Jefferson | PASSAGES, Inc. - Jefferson County | PASSAGES, Inc. |
| Safe Journey - Counseling Center - Protection From Abuse(PFA) | Provides Protection From Abuse (PFA) assistance, accompaniment and transportation. | Erie | Safe Journey - Counseling Center | Safe Journey |
| The Battered Women's Justice Project | The National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women, a nonprofit organization founded in 1987, is a resource and advocacy center for battered women charged with crimes related to their battering. Through its work, the organization aims to increase justice for and prevent further victimization of arrested, convicted, or incarcerated battered women.
The National Clearinghouse works with battered women who have been arrested and are facing trial, as well as those who are serving prison sentences. Most frequently, these cases involve women who have defended themselves against life-threatening violence at the hands of their abuser, and have been charged with assault or homicide. We also assist in cases where women have been coerced into crime by their abuser, are charged with "failing to protect" their children from their abuser's violence, or are charged with parental kidnapping after fleeing to protect themselves or their children from their abuser.
National Clearinghouse staff provide customized technical assistance to battered women charged with crimes and to members of their defense teams (defense attorneys, advocates, expert witnesses and others).
The National Clearinghouse does not provide direct representation to battered women charged with crimes. Rather, staff provides information and resources to defense teams at any stage of the legal process (pre-trial, when the case is on appeal, and in limited circumstances, during post-conviction proceedings) in an effort to increase the likelihood of a better and more just outcome.
The National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women is the first and only national organization that focuses exclusively on battered women charged with crimes. Over the years, the National Clearinghouse has been instrumental in increasing public awareness about the many complex issues facing battered women who end up charged with crimes and in building alliances among national, state-wide, and local organizations and countless individuals to work to stem the tide of injustices facing battered women defendants and incarcerated battered women.
In addition to providing individualized technical assistance, National Clearinghouse staff conduct training seminars for members of the criminal justice and advocacy communities, and for the general public, regarding the unique experiences of battered women defendants. Our Resource Library contains a comprehensive collection (over 11,000 entries) of articles, case law, litigation materials, and legislation relevant to battered women who find themselves in conflict with the law. | | 125 S 9th St, Suite 302, Philadelphia PA (Battered Women's Justice Project) | National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women |
| The Open Link - Domestic Violence Advocacy and Court Accompaniment | The Open Link provides victims of domestic violence with assistance navigating through the legal system can be an intimidating experience. Court advocates cannot provide legal advice or representation for clients in civil and criminal cases.
Advocates can provide the following services:
- Assistance with legal options for domestic violence victims.
- Court accompaniment to preliminary hearings (district court level).
- Systems advocacy to effect social change. | Montgomery | The Open Link Main Office - Montgomery; Pennsburg | The Open Link |
| Turning Point of Lehigh Valley | Domestic Violence Agency/Support Services
Provides counseling, support groups, court advocacy and safe housing when fleeing abuse to victims of domestic violence. The hotline is available 24 hours a day to callers and is the first step for accessing all services.
Court advocates provide orientation to the criminal justice system, explain the process of obtaining a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order, and provide court accompaniment to victims during PFA hearings and at criminal or contempt proceedings.
Provides training programs on domestic violence for businesses, police officers, clergy, health care providers and other social service agency staff as well as prevention programs to youth.
| Lehigh | Turning Point of Lehigh Valley | Turning Point of Lehigh Valley |
| Victim Services | Victim Services in Franklin County help to make the entire Juvenile Justice process more understandable and less stressful for the victims and witnesses of juvenile crime. To this end, the Victims’ Services Coordinator is the advocate and guide for victims and witnesses as their case makes its way through the Juvenile Justice System.
Services Include:
• Accompaniment to Court • Orientation to the Juvenile Justice System • Court Preparation • Advocacy • Notification of all phases of the case • Assistance with completing Victim’s Assistance Compensation Program (VCAP) Forms • Assistance with preparing a Victim Impact Statement | Franklin | Franklin County Juvenile Probation | Franklin County Judicial Services |
| Victims Resource Center - Accompaniment and Assistance | Victims of sexual violence and other serious crimes or their family/friends can request accompaniment and assistance with a variety of paperwork and proceedings. A counselor/advocate is available to accompany and provide support to a victim when they go to the hospital to receive emergency treatment, when reporting the crime to the police, when completing victim impact statements or when appearing for legal proceedings. Additionally, an advocate can assist with filing an order for Protection from Abuse (PFA), Protection from Intimidation (PFI), and Protection of Victims of Sexual Assault (PSVI), restitution claims, and victim compensation claims. | Carbon | Victims Resource Center - Carbon County | Victims Resource Center |
| Victims Resource Center - Accompaniment and Assistance | Victims of sexual violence and other serious crime or their family/friends can request accompaniment and assistance with a variety of paperwork and proceedings. A counselor/advocate is available to accompany and provide support to a victim when they go to the hospital to receive emergency treatment, when reporting the crime to the police, when completing victim impact statements or when appearing for legal proceedings. Additionally, an advocate can assist with filing an order for Protection from Abuse (PFA), Protection from Intimidation (PFI), and Protection of Victims of Sexual Assault (PSVI), restitution claims, and victim compensation claims. | Luzerne | Victims Resource Center - Luzerne County | Victims Resource Center |
| Victims Resource Center - Accompaniment and Assistance | Victims of sexual violence and other serious crime or their family/friends can request accompaniment and assistance with a variety of paperwork and proceedings. A counselor/advocate is available to accompany and provide support to a victim when they go to the hospital to receive emergency treatment, when reporting the crime to the police, when completing victim impact statements or when appearing for legal proceedings. Additionally, an advocate can assist with filing an order for Protection from Abuse (PFA), Protection from Intimidation (PFI), and Protection of Victims of Sexual Assault (PSVI), restitution claims, and victim compensation claims. | Wyoming | Victims Resource Center - Wyoming County | Victims Resource Center |
| Women's Center of Beaver County - Medical and Legal Advocacy | Provide 24 hour helpline, counseling, emergency shelter, court and hospital accompaniment, support groups, adult, professionals and children’s educational programs, children’s counseling and therapy services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. No cost services. | Beaver | Women's Center of Beaver County | Women's Center of Beaver County |
| Women's Services | Provides WSCHAT, Shelter, Counseling, Advocacy, Medical Advocacy Project, Education and Outreach, and also Community Gardens. | Crawford | Women's Services - Meadville | Women's Services |
| Women's Services - Titusville - Legal Advocacy | Legal Advocacy assists and support for victim of sexual and domestic violence as they go through the criminal or civil legal system. Provide information that will help survivors make informed decisions about the court process.
| Crawford | Women's Services - Titusville | Women's Services |
| YWCA of Bradford - Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services | Provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault including: individual options/empowerment counseling, legal and medical advocacy and accompaniment, domestic violence shelter (30-day limit), support groups, children's programming, prevention education programs for schools, community groups, and professional social service providers. | McKean | YWCA of Bradford | YWCA of Bradford |
