HARRISBURG, October 23, 2023 — In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) joined advocate and survivor of domestic violence, Tiffiney Hall, as she shared her empowering story of healing and overcoming trauma and highlighted the $248 million in funding from PCCD since 2021 to help local programs provide resources to victims of crime.
“No matter what you look like or where you live, every Pennsylvanian deserves to be safe and feel safe in their community. This includes feeling safe and supported in their family and intimate relationships,” said Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, chair of PCCD. “It’s on all of us to come together to stop domestic violence, to protect victims, and support survivors.”
One in three women, one in four men, and nearly half of LGBTQ+ individuals will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Last year alone, 104 victims died from domestic violence in Pennsylvania.
“When it comes to tackling the complex and sensitive topic of domestic violence, the voices and experiences of survivors are essential,” said Tiffiney Hall. “As survivors, we cultivate a deeper understanding of the challenges we faced.”
Since 2021, PCCD has provided more than $248 million in funding to:
• Deliver direct services to crime victims through the federal Victims of Crime Act,
• Provide procedural services to victims through the state Rights and Services Act and state Victims of Juvenile Offenders funding and
• Develop federal STOP Violence Against Women programs to engage in multi-system, collaborative response strategies to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking that keep victims safe and hold offenders accountable.
“We stand with victims of domestic violence and want to assure all Pennsylvanians that they are not alone and there are programs and advocates ready to stand by your side,” said PCCD Executive Director Mike Pennington. “PCCD’s Victims Compensation Assistance Program is available to help victims and their families by providing financial assistance after a crime. Additionally, PCCD provides funding to local victim service providers to directly deliver services and support. These resources are incredibly valuable, and I encourage anyone who may be struggling to reach out for help.”
Victim service providers are organizations whose primary mission is to provide free, direct services to victims of crime, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. These direct services include but are not limited to advocacy, victims’ rights information, transportation, civil legal services, counseling, sheltering, and relocation.
The Victims Compensation Assistance Program helps victims and their families through the emotional and physical aftermath of a crime by easing the financial impact. Eligible expenses under the program include medical and counseling expenses, loss of earnings, loss of support, stolen cash, relocation, funeral, or crime scene cleanup. The best way to file a claim is with the help of a victim advocate at your local victim service provider.
“These high rates of domestic violence are not private, individual problems; they require community solutions,” said PCADV CEO Susan Higginbotham. “By acknowledging this reality, we can collectively work towards ending domestic violence and creating safe, healthy communities for everyone.”
If you or someone you know needs help, contact your local victim service program or visit our PA Crime Victims website https://pcv.pccd.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx.
