Article Summary –
Domestic violence survivors in Pennsylvania are benefiting from a $5 million investment in the 2024-25 state budget, used for the state’s Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) to cover costs for counseling, medical bills, and other critical needs. This funding, the first from the state budget for VCAP, helps offset the program’s expenditures, which previously outpaced deposits into the state’s Crime Victims Compensation Fund, by reimbursing up to 75% of eligible claims through fines collected from offenders and federal support. With domestic violence affecting a significant portion of the population, including one in three women and nearly half of LGBTQ+ individuals, the funding provides essential financial and mental recovery support, particularly for victims in areas such as York County, where 22% of crime victims are survivors utilizing VCAP.
Domestic violence survivors in Pennsylvania are now benefiting from $5 million in state funding for counseling, medical bills, and essential assistance. This investment, highlighted at a York County press conference on Oct. 7, is part of the 2024-25 state budget aimed at bolstering the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Victims Compensation Assistance Program.
The gathering coincided with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, spotlighting how these funds aid victims in covering relocation, lost wages, child care, and funeral expenses. Kathy Buckley, director of the Office of Victims’ Services, emphasized the importance of support for Pennsylvania residents impacted by domestic violence.
For the first time, the state budget has allocated funding directly to VCAP. Typically, VCAP is funded by fines from offenders, deposited into the Crime Victims Compensation Fund. The federal Victims of Crime Act of 1984 reimburses up to 75% of state expenses for eligible claims.
Governor Josh Shapiro included the $5 million in the budget due to increased program expenses outpacing deposits, reducing federal reimbursements. Advocates at the conference stressed this funding’s critical role for survivors rebuilding their lives.
Buckley remarked on the challenges faced by victims: “The last thing a victim wants to worry about is how to pay for medical bills or counseling for trauma recovery. VCAP provides vital support.”
Statistics from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence reveal that one in three women, one in four men, and nearly half of LGBTQ+ individuals encounter domestic violence. In 2023, Pennsylvania reported 119 domestic violence-related deaths, with most victims killed by intimate partners.
Many turn to VCAP for aid. Over the past five years, the PCCD has processed over 76,000 claims, distributing more than $65 million. With increased funding, more victims across Pennsylvania’s 67 counties can be supported.
Megan Pace, a York County Victim/Witness Unit coordinator, noted the high demand for VCAP in York County, where 22% of crime victims are domestic violence survivors. A third of these utilize VCAP support.
Amber Fullwood, a felony domestic violence and sexual assault case coordinator, highlighted the funding’s role in covering counseling, relocation, medical bills, child care, and forensic rape exams. “It aids both financial and mental recovery,” Fullwood said, underscoring the importance of counseling resources made accessible through VCAP.
If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic violence or other crimes, visit the Pennsylvania Crime Victims website for VCAP information and resources.
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