HARRISBURG, PA — In an aggressive move to combat the rising tide of gun violence, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) recently approved $13 million in grants for prevention programs and support for victims. This decisive action, spearheaded by PCCD Chairman Lt. Governor Austin Davis, reflects an urgent need to address a public health crisis that continues to grip the Keystone State.
“With the current epidemic of gun violence across Pennsylvania, it is past time to take action,” said Davis. “Supporting gun violence victims must be central to those efforts.”
The funding includes nearly $1 million earmarked for a new statewide assessment to understand both the experiences of gun violence survivors and the needs of professionals who assist them. This initiative was born out of the Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Initiative announced by Davis last year.
The PCCD’s proactive approach aims to gather valuable insights into the lived experiences of those affected by gun violence. This information will be instrumental in shaping equitable, effective strategies to support Pennsylvanians impacted by this public health crisis.
Last September, the PCCD’s Victims’ Services Advisory Committee announced the availability of $1 million in federal Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) funds. This was part of a broader $3 million commitment to bolster the Resources for Victims of Gun Violence initiative.
These funds will be used to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment, which will provide a deeper understanding of the needs of gun violence victims and victim assistance professionals. The goal is to design a pilot strategy to establish a centralized “one-stop shop” for victims and communities impacted by gun violence. This would be modeled after a resilience center approach response to mass violence incidents, providing victims and communities with victim-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive resources.
In addition to these initiatives, the PCCD also approved a $10 million framework for forthcoming funding to support law enforcement agencies in becoming compliant with the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). This funding will also support the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) and additional projects aimed at addressing gun violence and behavioral health needs in Pennsylvania communities.
The implications of these initiatives are far-reaching. By investing in comprehensive assessments, victim support, and law enforcement resources, the PCCD is taking a multi-faceted approach to tackle gun violence.
These efforts are not just about providing immediate support for victims and enhancing law enforcement capabilities. They are also about paving the way for long-term solutions to a pervasive issue that affects Pennsylvanians in every corner of the state.
The fight against gun violence is a complex challenge that requires a nuanced, multi-layered response. These new grants from the PCCD signal a significant step forward in Pennsylvania’s ongoing battle against this public health crisis. Through these initiatives, the state is making a clear statement: gun violence must be tackled head-on, and the welfare of victims must be at the heart of these efforts.
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