If you are a survivor of abuse, crime, or professional misconduct in Pennsylvania, this guide provides the tools and information you need to understand your rights, report harm, and access trauma-informed services and compensation programs — including VOCA-funded assistance.
⛔️ This guide is not a substitute for legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or reach out to a crisis hotline listed on our Support and Help page. While we strive to provide accurate, current information, laws and agency procedures may change. Always verify details directly with official sources or consult a licensed attorney in your area.
📜 Your Rights Under Pennsylvania Law
Pennsylvania law and the state constitution provide crime victims with the right to:
- Be treated with fairness, compassion, and dignity
- Be informed of criminal proceedings and updates
- Be present and heard at critical stages of prosecution
- Receive restitution and confer with prosecutors
- Be protected from intimidation or retaliation
🔗 PA Crime Victims’ Rights – Office of Victim Advocate 🔗 PA Constitution – Article I, Section 9.1 (Marsy’s Law)
📂 Public Records & Documentation
You may request:
- Police reports and case records
- Court documents and sentencing outcomes
- Body/dash cam and 911 recordings (when applicable)
💡 Use Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) to submit written public records requests. Retain confirmation of submissions and responses.
🏥 Requesting Medical Records
You may request:
- Your own records
- Records for a dependent or deceased loved one (with proper authorization)
🔗 How to File a HIPAA Complaint – HHS.gov
🧑⚕️ Reporting Licensed Healthcare Providers
PA State Board of Medicine / Nursing / Psychology / Social Work:
https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing
PA Department of Health – Facility Complaints:
https://www.health.pa.gov
⚠️ Always document your complaint process and save confirmation emails or submission receipts.
💰 Victim Compensation in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) reimburses victims for out-of-pocket crime-related expenses.
Covered expenses may include:
- Medical, mental health, and dental treatment
- Lost wages or support
- Funeral and burial costs
- Relocation, home safety, and child care expenses
Eligibility Requirements:
- Report the crime within 72 hours (or show good cause)
- File the application within 2 years of the crime
- Cooperate with law enforcement and prosecution
🔗 PA Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) 📞 Phone: 1-800-233-2339
🤝 VOCA-Funded Services in Pennsylvania
VOCA programs in PA are managed by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).
🔗 PA VOCA Services – PCCD 📞 General Info: (717) 705-0888
No matter your story, you have rights. The Novel Advocate is here to make sure you’re seen, supported, and empowered every step of the way.
🧵 From steel towns to quiet valleys, Pennsylvania survivors — your strength stitches justice back together.
