State agency with the duty to advocate for the individual & collective rights of crime victims. Learn more at www.ova.pa.gov.
We accomplish our mission through victim services, which includes notifications of offender status; restorative justice programs that promote resilience and healing; and we are currently developing new initiatives around crime prevention.
Operating as usual
Yesterday, PA Victim Advocate Suzanne Estrella celebrated International Women's Day in the Lehigh Valley!
International Women's Day is a global day of celebrating the cultural, social, economic and political achievements of women and championing the further advancement of gender equality.
Crime spans our Commonwealth, leaving crime victims in its wake to grapple with the long-term impacts. Through the creation of the Public Safety and Protection Fund, Governor Shapiro intends to fund nearly 400 new state troopers to serve and protect the Commonwealth next year.
We applaud and thank Governor Shapiro for his ongoing efforts to create safer, caring communities where justice thrives.
For more on yesterday’s budget address, check out coverage from abc27 News:
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro outlined millions of dollars in spending for public safety, including funding for State Troopers. “This is a moment when we h…
During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, advocates and survivors across the nation stand together to confront barriers to achieving justice for all victims of crime.
Join us at the Capitol on April 24 as we elevate the voices of survivors and celebrate the accomplishments of the victims' rights movement.
The Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) was designed for victims of domestic violence, s*xual assault, stalking, human trafficking or childhood parental abductions. The program allows the PA Office of Victim Advocate to intercept and forward all first class, signature, and certified mail for those in the program.
"When somebody decides they want to join the program, typically they are fleeing a situation that is not of their choosing and often involves some danger in their personal safety and the safety of their children and other family members," Victim Assistance Coordinator JR Waltemyer said.
Thanks Lebanon Daily News for the great coverage!
https://www.ldnews.com/story/news/local/2023/03/06/pennsylvania-program-can-keep-victims-home-address-from-abusers/69958636007/
The program provides victims of domestic violence and other crimes with an alternate mailing address to keep their actual address out of records.
MARCH MONTHLY MONDAY NIGHT MEET UP
OVA chats with survivors and the PA Parole Board about the right to provide comment to decision makers when an offender becomes parole eligible.
If you are considering providing comment regarding parole in PA - this Meet Up is for you!
Join us TONIGHT at 7:00 pm – here on Facebook Live – while we discuss the process in which crime victims provide their comments to decision makers in the parole process.
Learn more about the right to comment here: https://www.ova.pa.gov/SafetyandSupport/ParoleComment/Pages/default.aspx
News reports earlier this week indicated that a hearing on statute of limitations for childhood s*xual abuse would be held Monday at the Capitol. Our office has been informed that this hearing is being rescheduled. We will share updates here as they become available.
Survivors and allies are still encouraged to contact their local Senator to urge swift passage of statute of limitations reform measures. Find your Senator here: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/index.cfm
The 2023 Pathways for Victim Services Conference will be held Nov 29 – Dec 1 in State College. Workshop proposals are now being accepted!
For more info, check out PCCD’s website: https://www.pccd.pa.gov/Victim-Services/Pages/2023%20Pathways%20Conference.aspx
Statute of Limitations reform options linger in Harrisburg while survivors continue to wait for the opportunity to expose predators in our communities. The House has provided 2 options – a statutory bill and a constitutional amendment - for the Senate to consider.
OVA encourages survivors to phone or email their Senator to urge swift passage. Find your legislator here: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/index.cfm
The latest:
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2023/03/standoff-over-giving-survivors-of-childhood-s*xual-abuse-continues-at-pa-capitol.html
Senate Republicans stood their ground on bundling three constitutional amendments instead of pulling out one for abuse survivors.
Yesterday, Senate Democrats united to call for a swift, bipartisan passage of “Window for Justice” legislation for survivors of s*xual assault. They have asked for a special session to be scheduled in order to consider and pass HB1 and HB2 – two pathways for adult survivors to file civil suits for childhood s*xual abuse.
“Today we have the opportunity to deliver HB 1 and HB 2 to the Governor’s desk and finally give adult survivors of child s*x abuse a window to justice,” said Senator Maria Collett. “The longer we delay, the more survivors suffer and the harder their cases become to ultimately prove. We must not allow perpetrators of abuse or the institutions that shielded them to evade accountability any longer.”
Read in full here: https://dingo.telicon.com/PA/library/2023/2023022770.HTM
HARRISBURG, PA: Today, Senate Democrats held a press conference calling for the swift and bipartisan passage of HB1 and HB2, which would open a Window to Justice for survivors of child s*xual abuse.
The Crime Victims Alliance of Pennsylvania will host the annual Crime Victims' Rights Rally at the PA State Capitol again on April 24 at 11:00 am. Save the date and join us!
Stay for the Rally Summit event immediately following the rally, indoors.
All state government offices will be closed on Mon Feb 20 in honor of President's Day.
You can reach OVA again on Tuesday at 1-800-563-6399.
This Valentine's Day, let's stop romanticizing stalking.
Victim Service Professionals -- save the date for the 2023 Pathways for Victim Services Conference presented by the PA Commission on Crime & Delinquency.
We hope you'll join us Nov 29 - Dec 1 in State College!
Registration opens Aug 1.
Internship opportunity for those studying criminal justice or related fields!
The Pennsylvania Criminal Intelligence Center and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security are currently offering internship opportunities to those studying criminal justice or related fields. The current job posting closes Feb. 24: bit.ly/PSP-PGi
Timeline photos
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a national effort to raise awareness
about teen dating violence. I'm proud to join 's campaign , to
share the many ways to prevent dating abuse. Let's unapologetically be about
empowerment!
Mark your calendar and join us here - via Facebook Live - March 6 at 7:00 pm while we discuss the victim right to comment before the PA Parole Board.
Hear from OVA professionals, the Board, and survivors about what the experience is like!
Some phenomenal tips from our friends at Pittsburgh Action Against R**e (PAAR)!
February Monthly Meet Up - Victims’ Rights
Day 3 of Black History Month: Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was a black orator that spoke about the inequalities that black Americans and women in her novels. During her teenage years, she began sending her poems- that addressed oppression- to African American newspapers. She is one of the first black woman to publish a novel, “Lola, Leroy”. Survive & Tell celebrates Black History!
SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVOR LUNCH & LEARN SERIES
These free modules are designed to provide info & support directly to survivors of s*xual assault. Survivors are welcome to register for all sessions or individual sessions.
Materials will be provided for each session and a mailing address will be requested at the time of registration.
Bring your lunch and your questions!
Module 1: Understanding Sexual Assault Trials
April 19, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
understanding the terms, players, and court process with Dauphin County Deputy District Attorney Erin Varley
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/530573739337
Module 2: Empowerment - A Pathway to Healing
May 11, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
social worker Lisa Ryan leads a thoughtful discussion on trauma and self-care
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/530599065087
Module 3 & 4: stay tuned for details!
*Paid for by federal funds through subgrant 37541 from the PA Commission on Crime & Delinquency.
How exactly does the body keep the score?
Learn more about trauma and self-care at https://www.ova.pa.gov/Resources/Trauma/Pages/default.aspx
Source: Juliet Young
Great tips for self-care options
Self Care can look very different depending on what you need.
Even if you do not have a lot of time to dedicate to self-care, it is important to take full advantage of little moments to check in on yourself and take care of your needs. Self-care is essential to keeping a strong mind as you conquer life.
If you - or a crime survivor you know - has questions about their rights, call the Office of Victim Advocate for assistance (Mon - Fri) at 800-563-6399.
Mark your calendars and join us live - February 6 at 7:00 pm! We will be answering victims' rights questions with guests from PCCD & PCAR.
You can submit questions ahead of time to Ashley at [email protected].
Ask an Advocate is back! We are excited! Check out this lineup of experts for Jan 31...
Ask an Advocate is back! And to kick off the new year, we will be focusing on National Stalking Awareness Month. During this session, we’ll be joined by Dana Fleitman, training and awareness specialist from SPARC - Stalking Prevention, Awareness & Resource Center, to talk with us about stalking as a tactic of domestic violence and answer all of your stalking-related questions. Also joining us will be Kelsie Massini, VOCA staff attorney at PCADV, to discuss the legal side of stalking.
Join us next Tuesday at 11 a.m. on Facebook Live to join in on the conversation and ask your questions.
We'll see you there.
https://bit.ly/3R0lADN
February is and
Victim Services Center of Montgomery County, Inc. is offering a virtual session on The Power of Consent!
Register at https://bit.ly/3R15qtX
The PA Commission on Sentencing invites comment on three proposals published on January 7 in the PA Bulletin (Vol. 53, No. 1):
> Proposed 8th Edition Sentencing Guidelines
> Proposed Resentencing Guidelines (Amendment 2) and
Proposed New Resentencing Guidelines (for 8th Edition)
> Proposed State Parole Recommitment Ranges
6 public hearings have been scheduled to receive public comment on any of the proposals:
Hearing I
Date: Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Stout Center for Criminal Justice, Courtroom 507, 1301 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA
Hearing II
Date: Friday, February 17, 2023
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Northampton County Courthouse, Courtroom 1, 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA
Hearing III
Date: Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Duquesne University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, 208 Hanley Hall, 900 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA
Hearing IV
Date: Monday, February 27, 2023
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Remote Only – Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. Registration is open to the public; testimony is limited to incarcerated individuals.
Zoom Webinar: https://bit.ly/DOCPubHrng2023Feb27
Hearing V
Date: Thursday, March 2, 2023
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Erie County Courthouse, Courtroom D-214, 140 West 6th Street, Erie, PA
Hearing VI
Date: Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Zoom Webinar: https://bit.ly/PCSPubHrng2023March8
On-site location: K. Leroy Irvis Office Building, Room 523, 450 Commonwealth Avenue, Harrisburg, PA
Registration and testimony is open to the public. Those wishing to attend and/or testify at Zoom Webinar hearings may register where links appear above. To testify in person, register by contacting Cathy Dittman (814-863-5729 or [email protected]).
Persons or organizations scheduled to testify (in-person or via Zoom Webinar) are asked to provide an electronic copy of any testimony at least 5 business days prior to the hearing. Those wishing to submit comments but not testify are asked to provide an electronic copy of comments no later than Friday, March 3. Forward testimony and comments to Cathy Dittman ([email protected]).
Thank you Congressman Lloyd Smucker for hosting an impactful roundtable discussion yesterday regarding human trafficking in York.
OVA participated alongside Senator Phillips-Hill, Representative Seth Grove, local service providers & law enforcement officials to discuss existing resources and what is still needed to best serve human trafficking victims.
https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/congressman-lloyd-smucker-holds-round-table-on-human-trafficking-prevention-york-county/521-eccabd6f-b20b-4b77-9d5b-e6e272961fb0
Photos from SPARC - Stalking Prevention, Awareness & Resource Center's post
January is - if you haven't yet, head over to pcv.pccd.pa.gov/HT/ and check out the free child s*xual exploitation resources available to your community.
Want a free shipment of materials? Email Ashley at [email protected].
Crime Victims have rights. Crime Victims also have the right to address violations of those rights allowed by law before a judge. Questions about how all this works? Let's discuss. Send in your questions on or before the next Monday Night Meet Up on February 6th.
Do you have questions about crime victims' rights in Pennsylvania?
Send them to [email protected] and tune in for answers Feb 6 at 7:00 pm here on Facebook Live.
Inauguration Day in PA. Looking forward to continued collaboration with the Office of the Governor.
State offices will be closed Monday January 16.
Locate county resources at https://www.ova.pa.gov/SafetyandSupport/Resources/LocateaVictimServiceAgency/Pages/default.aspx.
Statistics on gun violence in Philly are reporting a decline in comparison to this time last year. Shout out to all the faith based organizations helping in the fight!
A big shout out to our colleagues at Pennsylvania Department of Corrections for joining us in prevention efforts to in PA and for supporting victims by participating in ! We appreciate this dedication and team work!
Understanding Trauma for Crime Survivors virtual support group: a few spots still available!
Wednesdays 2:00 - 3:00 pm (8 weeks) beginning Feb 1
Fridays 12:00 - 1:00 pm (8 weeks) beginning Feb 3
Contact [email protected] for info.
If you haven't received resources created through our statewide awareness campaign to help end human trafficking, contact us @ 800-563-6399.
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SHINE Walk 2022
Learn more - and share - at Trafficking Happens. #TraffickingHappensPA #sextraffickinghappens #traffickingprevention
Proposed changes to PA sentencing guidelines
📢 ❗️ Sex trafficking happens in Pennsylvania. 👉 You can be a part of 🚫ending sex trafficking by learning more about what it looks like, common myths, and available resources. Follow our campaign page at Trafficking Happens. More at https://linktr.ee/traffickinghappenspa. 💙 OVA applauds the courageous survivors who share their story in order to educate and help victims and allies. #sextraffickinghappens #EndTrafficking #TraffickingHappensPA
Why Therapy?
OVA kicks off Domestic Violence Awareness month with the first in a series of FB Live events! Listen in while we discuss the varying aspects of intimate partner violence – emotional, physical, financial, etc – and learn how OVA’s Address Confidentiality Program can aid those leaving abusive situations. Stay tuned throughout the month while we announce more Live discussions.
Due to COVID-19 and the state still being in shutdown, we are bringing you our annual National Crime Victims' Rights Rally virtually. Please enjoy and feel free to share on your pages. Thank you Crime Victims Alliance of Pennsylvania & Marsy's Law for Pennsylvania for helping. #NCVRW2020
Victim Advocate Jennifer Storm joined members of the House today to discuss a package of bills aimed at building on the progress of Act 105 and 130 to combat human trafficking in the Commonwealth. “In order to craft a trauma informed justice system - · We must consider the weight of crime and the effect on victims and communities. Reclassifying the trafficking of infants to a first degree felony – that is an appropriate weight. · We must consider the burden on our victims when they come forward to testify and combat their traffickers with the truth. Barring a victim’s past from being used against them in court and allowing other expert testimony to underscore the suffering endured – that is a more trauma informed system. · We must consider, too, the justice system that we place offenders into and provide our state partners the ability to rehabilitate and restore communities whenever possible. Counseling programs for incarcerated sex offenders is a no-brainer; consideration of human trafficking convictions when establishing child custody, not only protects families, but also provides a better chance of success for offenders when within our society. January is Human Trafficking Month and, while we all stand here wearing blue to create awareness, we must realize that this awareness and vigilance is needed every day,” remarked Storm.
You’ve got questions about providing statute of limitations testimony. We hear ya! We sat down with PA Victim Advocate Jennifer Storm to answer some of those questions. > OVA is asking all time-barred survivors to submit their thoughts to better shape the overall testimony provided to the Senate on Oct 2. >Your testimony is submitted using a guided form available at the bottom of this page: https://www.ova.pa.gov/Services/StatuteofLimitations/Pages/default.aspx. >It can be submitted anonymously or with your name. >Victim Assistance Coordinators at OVA are available Mon – Fri (8am – 4:45pm) to take your testimony over the phone, if you prefer. >Having trouble with the online form? Try a different web browser or call us to give your testimony over the phone instead. Read more about SOL in PA here:https://www.ova.pa.gov/Features/Documents/Key%20Issues/Position%20Paper%20SOL.pdf Read more about providing testimony here: https://www.ova.pa.gov/Services/StatuteofLimitations/Pages/default.aspx
Survivor Stand Up at the Capitol on October 24. Calling the Senate back to vote on SB261 statute of limitations reform for child sexual abuse! #WHEREARETHEY #SOLreform #WindowToJustice #OURHOUSE #metoo
The Office of Victim Advocate applauds the courageous survivors of abuse from Bill Cosby. These are some of their powerful stories: Lise-lotte Lublin.
City of Harrisburg Environmental Advisory Cou
Paxton StreetDisability Voting Coalition of Pennsylvania
Chestnut StreetPennsylvania Section-American Water Works Ass
Bridge Street, New CumberlandNew Cumberland Borough Police Department
Market Street, New CumberlandDauphin County - Systems of Care
S 2nd StreetPennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Cou
Market StreetTri-County Regional Planning Commission
Market Street 2nd FloorPHRC Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
Market StreetOffice of Child Development & Early Learning
Market StreetHarrisburg Parks, Recreation and Enrichment D
N 2nd Street
PA Emergency Management Agency
Elmerton Avenue
The State Museum of Pennsylvania
North Street
Dauphin County Drug & Alcohol Services
S Cameron Street
Friendship YMCA Youth and Government
N Front Street
Air Force Recruiter- Harrisburg, PA
Union Deposit Road
Pennsylvania Department of General Services
North 3rd Street
PHRC Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
Market Street