PAVictimsHelp.org
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Your Detailed Rights as a Crime Victim
Descriptions of the rights you have as a victim of crime in Pennsylvania
Criminal and Sexual Harassment
Information on what constitutes criminal and sexual harassment, including what to look for to prove the harassment and where you can seek help.
Fraud Affects Every Community
The Federal Trade Commission has introduced this series outlining how fraud affects different communities. This presents the stories of individuals from various communities have been victimized by fraud and provides some free resources help you protect every community from fraud, no matter what community you’re in or work with.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and supports to get help and stay safe. The Trafficking Hotline also receives tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking and facilitates reporting that information to the appropriate authorities in certain cases. Call: 1-888-373-7888; TTY: 711; Text* 233733
Office of the Victim Advocate
The Office of Victim Advocate seeks to provide crime victims with a victim-centered continuum of service throughout the post-sentencing process. Its efforts are primarily directed toward ensuring that crime victims registered with OVA are afforded their post-sentencing rights to notification and input when offenders under the jurisdiction of the DOC or PBPP are being considered for release back into the community.
Pennsylvania Office of Victim Services
3101 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-783-5153
pcv.pccd.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx
This group does not provide legal representation in court.
Victims Compensation Assistance Program
The Victims Compensation Assistance Program helps victims and their families through the emotional and physical aftermath of a crime by easing the financial impact placed upon them by the crime. You may be eligible to receive financial help from the Victims Compensation Assistance Program for a variety of expenses related to your victimization.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and supports to get help and stay safe. The Trafficking Hotline also receives tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking and facilitates reporting that information to the appropriate authorities in certain cases. Call: 1-888-373-7888; TTY: 711; Text* 233733
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. This classroom resource provides information about human trafficking, including how to deal with it, and how to report if you are a victim of trafficking.
Dependable Access for Victimization Expenses (DAVE) Online Claim Filing System
This Victims Compensation Assistance Program helps victims of crime in Pennsylvania with expenses related to a crime. You may use this site to file a claim for compensation.
File a Complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center
Complaints filed via this website are processed and may be referred to federal, state, local or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for possible investigation.
Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice is a theory of justice that emphasizes repairing the harm caused by the criminal behavior. Learn about the methods used to carry out this process.
Young Adult Resource Guide - Youth Law Project
Guide to services available to Youth in Philadelphia including: Child Care & Early Learning • Domestic Violence • Drop-In Centers • Drug & Alcohol Treatment • Education/ Career • Family Planning/Reproductive Health • Food Resources • General Health Services • Housing/ Shelter • Legal Services • Mental Health Services • Parenting Education • Teen Parent Resources • Other Resources (January 2021)
Your Guide to GOING TO COURT
Information from MidPenn Legal Services to help you make a good first impression when appearing in court.
Youth and the Police
Information on the rights of youths when approached by the police.
Youth in Adult Court
Information on what happens to youth who get prosecuted as adults in Philadelphia.
What Is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. This provides additional information about human trafficking, how to deal with it, and how to report if you are a victim of trafficking.
Blue Campaign
Information on Blue Campaign, a national public awareness campaign, designed to educate the public, law enforcement and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking, and how to appropriately respond to possible cases.
Do You Need a Court Interpreter? (Video)
This video from the PA Courts explains how to request a court interpreter; what to expect; how to communicate with court staff outside the courtroom; and who is qualified to be a court interpreter.
Fraud Affects Every Community
The Federal Trade Commission has introduced this series outlining how fraud affects different communities. This presents the stories of individuals from various communities have been victimized by fraud and provides some free resources help you protect every community from fraud, no matter what community you’re in or work with.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and supports to get help and stay safe. The Trafficking Hotline also receives tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking and facilitates reporting that information to the appropriate authorities in certain cases. Call: 1-888-373-7888; TTY: 711; Text* 233733
Office of the Victim Advocate
The Office of Victim Advocate seeks to provide crime victims with a victim-centered continuum of service throughout the post-sentencing process. Its efforts are primarily directed toward ensuring that crime victims registered with OVA are afforded their post-sentencing rights to notification and input when offenders under the jurisdiction of the DOC or PBPP are being considered for release back into the community.
PA SAVIN
PA SAVIN stands for Pennsylvania Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification. It is a free, confidential and automated service that helps victims, law enforcement and community members keep up to date on the status of an inmate housed in a county jail, state prison or under state parole supervision within Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Office of Victim Services
3101 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-783-5153
pcv.pccd.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx
This group does not provide legal representation in court.
Report a Mail Crime
If you have witnessed or fallen victim to a mail-related crime, take action by filing a report of the incident. Find the right form, appropriate for your situation, to file in order to report the criminal conduct.
Victim Help Resources
Resources from the United States Postal Inspection Service, an agency that is dedicated to treating every crime victim with compassion, fairness, and respect while protecting their dignity and privacy.
VineLink (Pennsylvania)
VINELink, an online portal to VINE, America’s number one victim notification network. VINE has been providing victims and concerned citizens with the power of information for decades. VINELink can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The VINE service provides information by phone, email, TTY, and text message where available. You may also sign up through your participating state, or county’s toll-free number.
VineLink (Pennsylvania)
VINELink, an online portal to VINE, America’s number one victim notification network. VINE has been providing victims and concerned citizens with the power of information for decades. VINELink can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The VINE service provides information by phone, email, TTY, and text message where available. You may also sign up through your participating state, or county’s toll-free number.
Adams County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Adams County.
Allegheny County Court Family Division - Frequently Asked Questions
The Family Division of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas offers answers to many Frequently Asked Questions in the area of Custody; Dependency & Related Services; Divorce; Juvenile Delinquency and Probation; Paternity; Protection From Abuse (PFA); and Support.
Armstrong County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Armstrong County.
Beaver County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Beaver County.
Bedford County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Bedford County.
Berks County: Domestic Relations Section of the Berks County Court of Common Pleas
Domestic Relations is a part of the Berks County Court of Common Pleas. It helps the Court establish and enforce Court Orders for child support and spousal support.
Blair County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Blair County.
Bradford County Domestic Relations Office
Information on domestic relations procedures in Bradford County.
Bucks County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Bucks County.
Butler County Family Court: Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Butler County.