Legal Advocacy Services

At Victim Services Inc., our advocates are specially trained in providing information and education to victims and their loved ones to prepare for them for interacting with the court system and to help clients understand what's happening in their cases. Please click the links below to learn more.

Legal Advocacy &

Accompaniment

Victim Services Inc. can provide a support person to be with victims of crime and their loved ones during, but not limited to, any of the following at their request:

Civil protection order hearings and enforcement proceedings
Criminal and/or juvenile court proceedings
College disciplinary proceedings
Coroner’s inquest
Media interviews
Meetings with police, prosecutor’s office, or other legal appointments
Parole, appeal, and juvenile review hearings
Child Protective Services Proceedings
Executions

*Victim Services staff are not able to provide legal advice. For legal advice please contact an attorney.*

Protection Orders

Our advocates can also review options, assist with the filing of protection orders, and support victims through the court process.

In Pennsylvania there are 3 types of protection orders. Follow the links to learn more:

*Victim Services staff are not able to provide legal advice. For legal advice please contact an attorney.*

Victims Compensation

Assistance

Pennsylvania's Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) is designed to support individuals who have suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm due to a crime. This program offers financial aid for various expenses to help alleviate the financial burden on victims and their families. VCAP is able to reimburse insurance co-pays, out-of-network expenses and other out-of-pocket costs.

Advocates at Victim Services Inc. can assist victims/surviving family members through the process of filing a claim with VCAP and provide information and updates throughout the process.

Victim Rights Services

Victims’ rights give survivors a voice in the criminal justice system and set standards of service that guarantee victims receive information, support, and respectful treatment, regardless of their background.

Below are some basic rights that you are entitled to as a victim of a crime. For a more detailed description of all rights afforded to crime victims in PA, visit PCCD's website or this handout.

You have the right to be told:

about basic services available to you in your county
about certain court events, including information on bail, escape of offender, release of an offender
about the details of the final disposition of a case

You have the right to receive:

notice of the arrest of the offender
information about restitution and assistance with compensation
accompaniment to all criminal proceedings by a family member, a victim advocate or a support person

You have the right to provide input:

into the sentencing decision and to receive help in preparing an oral and/or written victim impact statement
into post sentencing decisions

Legal Advocacy Services

Contact: