HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro has proposed a $9 million investment in the Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) as part of the 2025-26 state budget, aiming to address mounting financial strain on the fund that aids crime victims across Pennsylvania. The announcement, made in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) and the Office of Victim Advocate, coincides with ongoing efforts to promote awareness of crime victims’ rights.
VCAP provides crucial financial support to crime victims for expenses incurred as a result of their victimization. These include medical bills, counseling costs, funeral expenses, relocation assistance, and more. Over the past five years, the program has processed over 67,000 claims and disbursed $67 million across all 67 counties in Pennsylvania. However, the growing volume of claims has outpaced available funding, pushing the program to a critically low balance.
“This fund is a lifeline for those blindsided by the devastating effects of violent crime,” said Suzanne V. Estrella, Esq., the Commonwealth Victim Advocate. “The proposed $9 million investment will provide essential stability for the program and ensure financial support for victims when they need it most.”
VCAP’s efficiency has been enhanced through partnerships with 887 law enforcement agencies statewide, enabling quicker processing of claims based on crime reports. Last year, a collaboration with the Pennsylvania State Police reduced turnaround times from months to days, delivering timely aid to those in need.
Advocates underscore the vital impact of VCAP funding on various services, such as child advocacy centers and forensic rape exams. Rebecca Buckham, Communications Manager for the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Pennsylvania, highlighted the importance of funding for medical evaluations, noting that nearly 5,000 of the 14,590 children served by these centers last year benefited from this financial assistance.
The proposed funding increase, which comes as crime victims experience growing financial burdens, reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring every Pennsylvanian has access to equitable resources. Kathy Buckley, Director of PCCD’s Office of Victims’ Services, noted, “No crime victim should have to choose between healing and financial hardship.”
The proposal builds upon Pennsylvania’s broader victim rights framework. Under state law, victims are entitled to dignity, respect, and access to various services, including assistance navigating the justice system and protection from abuse. The policy aims to provide survivors with the tools needed to restore stability and move forward after challenging and traumatic experiences.
The $9 million investment, if approved, would offer immediate relief to VCAP and sustain critical support systems for crime survivors for the foreseeable future.
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