This website provides general information regarding your rights as a crime victim and services available to assist you through the aftermath of crime. A victim advocate is available to help you understand your rights, connect you to available services (such as counseling, transportation, housing, etc.), and assist you in applying for financial assistance with medical bills and other expenses.
Because your case may involve interaction with many state and local agencies, an advocate will provide you with support and guidance while explaining the many avenues within the legal system. Advocates also help prepare you for each step within the criminal justice process, from investigation through sentencing and beyond.
Because your case may involve interaction with many state and local agencies, an advocate will provide you with support and guidance while explaining the many avenues within the legal system. Advocates also help prepare you for each step within the criminal justice process, from investigation through sentencing and beyond.
Victims Compensation Assistance Program
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You may be eligible to receive financial help with expenses directly related to the crime. Victims Compensation is a state program that pays out-of-pocket medical and counseling bills, loss of wages or support, funeral expenses, and cash benefits as a result of crime. Property losses are not covered. All other means of paying these bills (Insurance, HMO, Medical Assistance or Medicare) must be used first. The crime must be reported to the police.
To apply for Victims Compensation, please contact your Victim Advocate. |
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Offender Release Notification
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You can register to receive free, automatic, confidential notifications regarding your offender while he/she is under the supervision of county jails, state prisons, or state parole.
To learn more and to register, go to www.vinelink.com, call 1-866-9PA-SAVIN (1-866-972-7284), or contact your Victim Advocate. |
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Address Confidentiality Program
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You may be eligible for enrollment in the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) if you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
For more information about ACP, go to www.ova.pa.gov, call 1-800-563-6399, or contact your Victim Advocate. |
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Court Notifications
If the crime in which you were a victim is being prosecuted by the district attorney’s office and you would like to be notified as the case moves through the system, please inform your Victim Advocate.