LANCASTER, PA — The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), alongside local victim service providers, recently emphasized the critical role of the Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) in supporting crime victims across the state. At a press event in Lancaster last week, officials underscored the need for increased investment in the program to ensure continued financial assistance for those affected by violence and trauma.
The Shapiro-Davis Administration has proposed a $9 million allocation for VCAP in the 2025-26 state budget, a move that advocates say is vital for stabilizing the program’s depleted fund. Over the past five years, VCAP has disbursed more than $67 million to address over 67,000 claims for eligible expenses such as medical bills, relocation, counseling, funeral costs, and even crime scene cleanup.
A Lifeline for Crime Victims
VCAP is a fundamental resource for Pennsylvanians who suffer financial losses as a result of crime. The program processes an average of 12,000 claims annually, ranging from harassment cases to incidents of homicide. “No crime victim should have to worry about how they’ll afford medical bills or funeral expenses,” stated Kathy Buckley, Director of PCCD’s Office of Victims’ Services. “Programs like VCAP are more than just financial support—they’re lifelines for Pennsylvanians in need.”
The challenges facing VCAP are significant, as expenses in recent years have outstripped the program’s funding. Without additional state resources, the fund could face further depletion, jeopardizing its ability to provide critical aid.
Addressing Local Needs
Lancaster County has been a focal point for VCAP claims, with over 2,400 compensation claims paid out in the last five years, totaling more than $3 million. Deanna Weaver, Director of Lancaster Victim/Witness Services, detailed the program’s importance, saying, “We rely on VCAP to address financial burdens victims face, from housing instability to lifelong trauma. Without it, many victims wouldn’t have anywhere to turn.”
Lancaster County’s service providers submit some of the highest numbers of VCAP claims. Resources such as the YWCA Lancaster’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center and the Lancaster County Children’s Alliance utilize these funds to support survivors of sexual abuse, domestic violence, and child exploitation.
Essential Support for Vulnerable Groups
VCAP’s scope of support extends to survivors of various crimes, including sexual assault, gun violence, child abuse, and domestic violence. For example, the YWCA Lancaster assists sexual abuse survivors with costs for counseling and medical care. Over the past three years, PCCD has paid more than $4 million statewide to aid in sexual assault counseling.
Similarly, victims of gun violence have received over $9.5 million to cover costs including medical care and counseling. Domestic violence survivors in Pennsylvania have benefited from over $2 million in claims during the same period, according to PCCD data.
The Pennsylvania Community Action Partnership, which provides services such as emergency shelter and transitional housing, cites VCAP as a lifeline for domestic violence victims, helping to alleviate financial stress as they rebuild their lives.
Restoring Stability Through Increased Funding
Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposal to dedicate $9 million to VCAP represents a strategic effort to stabilize the fund for future claims. The proposed investment aims to restore the program’s financial health, ensuring Pennsylvanians in need continue to have access to this essential resource.
State officials and victim advocates argue that the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s budget proposal is not merely an expense but an investment in the safety and well-being of the Commonwealth’s citizens. “Funding VCAP is about upholding our responsibility to victims,” emphasized Buckley.
With more than 16,000 claims processed in 2023 alone and demand continuing to grow, the importance of protecting the financial viability of VCAP has never been clearer. Supporters of the budget investment urge legislators to prioritize this critical resource to ensure crime victims in every Pennsylvania county can access the support they need during their most vulnerable moments.
Through the ongoing work of the PCCD and community partners, Pennsylvania remains committed to assisting victims and survivors of crime, restoring stability in their lives and addressing the long-term impacts of trauma.
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