PA Resources & Progress for Domestic Violence Victims & Survivors

October is Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. As communities fight to protect women, children, and men—there are state resources that help victims and survivors in need.

“One in three women, one in four men, and nearly half of all LGBTQ+ individuals will experience domestic violence in their lifetime,” said Kathy Buckley, Director of Victim Services for Pennsylvania’s Commission on Crime & Delinquency.

In 2023, there were 119 Pennsylvanians killed in domestic violence incidents. That was out of over 3000 victims who received services.

In a press conference today, Buckley highlighted the state’s Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP)—a fund that gives financial support after a tragedy.

“They incur many types of expenses, that people just don't think about how they're going to get paid,” said Buckley.

A victim can apply for help with things like medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral expenses. For domestic violence victims and survivors, it can be critical in getting housing support or sexual assault counseling.

“You don’t need to report sexual assault cases to the criminal justice system to get victim compensation. We can pay for those expenses directly to the therapist. So we've seen a couple of hundred percent increase in sexual assault planes,” said Buckley.

The fund gives out around $14 million in claims a year. In the 2024/25 budget, the general assembly gave a $5 million increase to the fund as demand has also increased.

While VCAP is well established, lawmakers are pushing for new protective measures this session.
House Bill 1446 makes it simple and permanent for domestic violence victims and survivors to get unemployment benefits.

“Individuals are entitled to benefits where they have to leave their job through no fault of their own. This meets that criteria,” said Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, (R-187), the sponsor of the bill. The Senate put the bill on the table in the fall, passing through committee with unanimous support. Mackenzie hopes the bill will head to the Governor’s desk this session.

“Right now through case law, they are often allowed those benefits, but they have to go through a sometimes lengthy adjudication process. And that delays the benefits, delays them maybe being able to actually leave that job or leave that community where they might be vulnerable.”

To avoid pressure on businesses, the bill also allows that the unemployment will not be paid for by the employer.

“Its not the fault of the victim, its not the fault of the employer. Its the fault of the abuser. So this lets victims navigate the process swiftly while not putting financial burden on businesses,” said Mackenzie.

Tonight in Harrisburg, a local non profit hosted a candlelight vigil, reading every name of the Pennsylvanians killed by domestic violence in 2023.

Our viewing area had 2 individuals killed.

A link to Pennsylvania’s Coalition against Domestic Violence.

A link to Haven, a local non profit who gives escape and resources for those in need.