Pennsylvania Crime Victims
You are not alone… Being a victim of crime can be very hard. You might not be able to focus or remember things. This is all normal for someone who has been a victim of crime.
There are victim advocates that can provide free services to you. They are available to answer your questions and provide supportive counseling. To find an organization in your county go to www.pcv.pccd.pa.gov and select “Find Help in Your County.”
As a victim of crime, you have rights. Go to www.pcv.pccd.pa.gov to see your rights throughout the criminal justice process, including information on how to exercise additional rights if someone is arrested and/or convicted, and learn how to access immediate resources, such as shelter and protection orders, financial assistance and counseling.
If you are the victim of domestic violence, you have the right to go to court and file a petition requesting an order for protection from domestic abuse pursuant to the Protection From Abuse Act (23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 61), which could include the following:
- An order restraining the abuser from further acts of abuse;
- An order directing the abuser to leave your household;
- An order preventing the abuser from entering your residence, school, business or place of employment;
- An order awarding you or the other parent temporary custody of or temporary visitation with your child or children;
- An order directing the abuser to pay support to you and the minor children if the abuser has a legal obligation to do so.
If you are the victim of sexual violence or intimidation, you have the right to go to court and file a petition requesting Sexual Violence Protection Order (SVPO) pursuant to the Protection of Victims of Sexual Assault or Intimidation Act (42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 62A).
