Helpful Information
Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect
The Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR) works to end sexual violence and advocates for the rights and needs of sexual assault victims. PCAR partners with a network of rape crisis programs to bring help, hope, and healing around issues of sexual violence to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PCAR provides information and referrals on sexual violence, substance abuse and sexual violence, sexual violence protection orders, elderly victims of sexual violence, sexual violence in the military, and many other areas.
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) is an organization working to eliminate domestic violence while securing justice for victims and their families. PCADV partners with a network of domestic violence programs to form interconnecting links in a chain of services and support so victims can find safety, obtain justice, and build lives free of abuse. PCADV provides information and referrals on domestic violence, child custody, protection from abuse orders, elderly domestic violence, immigrant victims, and many other areas.
Office of Victim Advocate
The Office of Victim Advocate (OVA)provides victims with post-sentencing services including notifying, assisting, and representing victims regarding their offenders under the jurisdiction of the PA Board of Probation and Parole (PBPP), and the PA Department of Corrections (DOC). By registering with the OVA, victims will have the opportunity to provide information and input to the decision-makers at the DOC and PBPP when the offender is being reviewed for certain types of releases. The OVA also operates the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) which provides victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking or stalking with an alternate mailing address to keep their actual home home address out of public records where their perpetrator may find their location. ACP is designed to be a part of an overall safety plan for victims who are planning to move or have recently moved to a location unknown to the perpetrator. *ACP is not a witness protection program.
Pennsylvania Chapter of Children Advocacy Centers
The PA Chapter of Children's Advocacy Centers & Multidisciplinary Teams (PennCAC) is an Accredited Chapter of National Children's Alliance and a membership organization dedicated to helping local Pennsylvania communities respond to allegations of child abuse in ways that are effective and efficient - and put the needs of child victims first. PennCAC provides information on signs of child abuse, reporting child abuse, and how to find out more information of a CAC in your county.
Pennsylvania's General Assembly has determined that public safety will be enhanced by making information about registered sex offenders available to the public through the Internet. Knowledge whether a person is a registered sex offender could be a huge factor in protecting yourself and your family members.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
MADD is an organization dedicated to providing emotional, legal, and financial support to victims as the result of drunk driving. In addition, PA MADD operates victim impact panels that gives victims/survivors an opportunity to educate DUI offenders on the lasting impact of drunk and drugged driving. To find out more about information and services available, contact your local MADD chapter.
Megan's Law (sex offender) Registration
Pennsylvania's General Assembly has determined that public safety will be enhanced by making information about registered sex offenders available to the public through the Megan's Law website. Knowledge of whether a person is a registered sex offender could be a huge factor in protecting yourself and your family members.
Department of Human Services
The Department of Human Services (DHS) provides a notification service for victims regarding the transfer of their offender to a mental health care facility. An enrollment form and other important information are available through DHS.
Office of the Attorney General
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has established an elder abuse unit and a child predator unit. OAG also focuses on protecting people from fraud and identity theft.
Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs
The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs provides timely access to information about quality drug, alcohol and gambling treatment services for you or a loved one. Please visit https://apps.ddap.pa.gov/gethelpnow to locate a service provider near you. Treatment works.