PCAR Sexual Violence Legal Assistance Project
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR)
If you need legal assistance, call 717-901-6784 or 1-800-692-7445 ext. 190, Monday – Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to speak with a legal provider or submit an online request at the link below.
If you are in danger, considering suicide, or need emergency help, CALL 911 (in the U.S.), or your local authorities now.
A Survivor First Approach to Lawyering | The Sexual Violence Legal Assistance Project
Established in 2018 by a federal grant, The Sexual Violence Legal Assistance Project (SVLAP) has served over a thousand survivors in their pursuit of justice. The attorneys of SVLAP approach sexual assault and rape cases with a trauma-informed lens, with the project focusing on the victim and not just the case. By offering free legal services to communities without legal resources in Pennsylvania, SVLAP has built its legal practice by putting the victim first.
SVLAP services are 100% free to clients and completely confidential. All attorneys are licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and all communications are covered by attorney-client privilege.
SVLAP offers services in the following areas:
Criminal Justice Advocacy: SVLAP lawyers provide representation to victims involved in the criminal justice system to ensure that their rights as a crime victim are enforced. We also advocate for victims who report their assault to law enforcement, but no charges are ever filed.
General Legal Advice: A common service that is provided is general legal advice. Clients like to know what the process looks like should they report a sexual assault to law enforcement, their school or employer. Our lawyers are happy to discuss the options and how things can play out for you as well as what could be expected of you in a court case.
Sexual Violence Protection Order: SVLAP is always ready to stand with survivors to provide representation for a sexual violence protection order, which is an order of no contact. These orders can be powerful peace of mind tools to survivors of sexual assault.
Title IX Work: SVLAP attorneys stand ready to assist college and university students as their “advisor of choice” during the Title IX process following a sexual assault or rape. For K-12 students, SVLAP helps to explain the rights of the families affected by sexual assault in schools and prepare them for the investigative process.
Other Areas: SVLAP offers other areas of specialty such as: housing issues, employment issues, name change petitions, and PREA advocacy for those that suffered sexual assault, harassment, or rape.
Resources:
About the Sexual Violence Legal Assistance Project (brochure): English | Spanish
Help for people with disabilities
Help for black, indigenous and people of color
Options for Civil Protection Orders in Pennsylvania (brochure): English | Spanish