Advocacy Services | Victim Services Center

"The advocate was great. I don't know what we would have done if they weren't around. I can't sing enough praises of all the work VSC does. The advocate was great and we really appreciate the work your office does for us."

- from a significant other of a victim of crime

The role of the Advocate is to make the victim/survivor's interactions with the Criminal Justice System as familiar and comfortable as possible, as well as inform the victim/survivor's of their rights as defined in the Victim Bill of Rights (Act 111 of 1998). Advocates use their knowledge and experience to answer questions and explain everything that is confusing or upsetting to the victim/survivor during criminal justice proceedings. The advocates also work closely with the Police Departments and District Attorney's Office to help smooth the process for the victim/survivor. The advocate will be available prior to and during proceedings associated with the prosecution of the crime committed against the victim/survivor.

If you have been the victim of a crime you may be eligible for compensation if:

The crime occurred in Pennsylvania or occurred to a Pennsylvania resident who was injured or killed in a terrorist attack in a foreign country.
The crime was reported to the proper authorities within 72 hours of the incident unless good cause is shown.
The victim has cooperated with law enforcement and the courts.
The claim is filed within one year after the crime, two years with good cause.
In cases of child abuse, filing may be extended to five years for good cause, provided the victim was under 18 years of age at the time of the occurrence, date of discovery or disclosure of the crime, and the offender is a parent, paramour of a parent, an individual residing in the household, or a person responsible for the victim's welfare.
The victim/claimant may be ineligible if the victim was engaged in illegal activity that caused the crime.
Minimum loss requirements are met:
If Under age 60-
- A minimum of $100 total out-of-pocket expense OR
- A loss of at least 2 or more continuous weeks' earnings
If over age 60-
- No minimum out-of-pocket loss

Total compensation may not exceed $35,000

Types of compensation include:

Medical Expenses
Funeral Expenses
Home Health Care
Auto Related

Counseling
Stolen Cash Benefit
Replacement Service

Loss of Earnings
Attorney Fees
Forensic Rape Exam

Loss of Support
Child Care
Emergency Awards

A Victim Impact Statement is 1 to 2 pages written or a 3 to 5 minute oral statement to the Judge describing the emotional, physical, and financial loss and devastation that resulted from a crime. The Victim Impact Statement can be read by the victim of the crime, the surviving family of a crime victim or a parole office prior to making a decision of the eventual release of the offender. Advocates can assist with:

Establishing helpful guidelines for the content
Organization of the statement, either in person or by phone
Typing up the statement for the victim

Under Pennsylvania law, you have the right to be notified of the release of an offender from a state or county prison if:

You are enrolled in Pennsylvania's Victim Input and Notification Program OR
Montgomery County's Prison Release Notification Program

When you enroll in these programs you have the right to be notified of an offender's prerelease; whether it is due to work release, furlough, parole, community treatment center or if the offender escapes from prison.

VSC advocates will assist you in obtaining the Pennsylvania's Victim Input and Notification Program brochure and provide the appropriate referral for the Montgomery County Prison Release Notification Program brochure.

For more information about advocacy services, contact (888) 521-0983.