Frequently Asked Questions

What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence is the term for any type of unwanted sexual contact. This includes but is not limited to: sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual assault or rape. Sexual violence can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, geography, ability, appearance, sexual orientation, and gender identity. It impacts everyone--the survivor, their families, significant others, and their community.

What is consent?

Consent is giving permission for something to happen or agreeing to do something. Consent is freely given. Sexual contact without consent is a type of sexual violence. Reasons why someone cannot consent includes: victim’s age, illness, mental or physical disability, being asleep or unconscious, or being too intoxicated through voluntary or involuntary use of alcohol or drugs. Also, someone may not be able to consent because the perpetrator uses or threatens with weapons or physical violence, intimidation, pressure, or misuse of authority.

What is the age of consent?

In Pennsylvania, a person less than 13 years old cannot grant consent to sexual activity. People between the ages of 13 and 15 cannot consent to sexual activity with anyone who is four or more years older than them; it would be considered statutory rape. People ages 16 and older can legally consent to sexual activity with anyone they choose, as long as the other person does not have authority over them. In Pennsylvania this is called Institutional sexual assault and happens when sexual activity occurs with an employee/agent of a: school (teacher/coach), state or county jail, personal care/group home, or other licensed residential facilities serving youth.

I was recently sexually assaulted. Should I go to the hospital?

While it is always your decision, VSC recommends that you go to the ER/hospital after a sexual assault to assess for and treat any injuries you may have, collect evidence of the crime as well as make sure you receive all the support and information you need to begin your healing process. VSC works with all hospitals in Montgomery County, including Abington, Einstein (Montgomery), Bryn Mawr, Lankenau and Pottstown Hospitals. If you are thinking about going to the hospital but have questions, please call our hotline at 1-888-521-0983 for more information.

What happens when I go to the hospital after a sexual assault?

After you are treated for any injuries, you will typically meet a Forensic Nurse, who is specially trained to work with victims of a sexual assault. They will ask you questions like what medications you may take, your previous medical history and also about the assault. Some of these questions may be difficult or seem invasive but this information is useful for any future investigations and to ensure your health and well being as they work with you. The nurse will then use a rape kit to collect evidence based on what you tell them about the assault. You will also be given information about pregnancy and offer options based on your needs. You have the right to skip any step of the exam that you are uncomfortable with.

Can someone come with me to the hospital?

You have the right to have a sexual assault counselor present during the exam. In Montgomery County, the hospital should contact a VSC advocate to come and offer services and support. If an advocate hasn’t arrived, you can request that the nurse calls one or contact one yourself by calling our hotline at 1-888-521-0983.

Will I be charged for the forensic rape exam?

The forensic rape exam will not cost you anything. The Violence Against Women Act requires states to provide exams free of charge.

The perpetrator is still contacting me. What options do I have?

You can apply for a protection order. A protection order is a document from the court barring the perpetrator from contacting you. There are three types of protection orders available in Pennsylvania. They are a Protection From Abuse order or PFA, a Sexual Violence Protection order or SVP and a Protection From Intimidation or PFI. If you have questions about what protection order is right for you, call our hotline at 1-888-521-0983.

How do I obtain a protection order?

In Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, a crime victim would go to the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, PA, to file for a civil protection order. You will need to go to the Court Administration office located on the second floor. They will give you paperwork to complete and will connect you with the appropriate victim services agency. VSC will be contacted to assist crime victims filing for SVPs and PFIs or you can call our hotline at 1-888-521-0983.

What are my rights as a victim?

In Pennsylvania, Victim Rights are the rights given to a victim or significant other impacted by a crime. (Visit Your Detailed Rights as a Crime Victim to learn more.)

What can a VSC advocate do for me?

A VSC advocate can provide you with a general understanding of how the criminal justice process works. They are not lawyers but they are specially trained to help you understand legal proceedings before, during and after a case has resolved. Advocates can talk to you about reporting to the police and can accompany you to the police station. They can also provide support and accompany you to criminal court proceedings for events like preliminary hearings, trial, and parole board hearings. Advocates can assist with filing for Victims Compensation for crime-related expenses.

What if I do not want to make a police report?

There are many reasons why someone may choose not to make a police report. Options to consider instead of reporting to police are:

• Calling our 24-hour hotline at 1-888-521-0983 to safety plan.

What can I expect when I go to the police?

In most cases you will initially speak with a person at the front desk. Some smaller police deptartments may have a notice on a wall nearby with instructions on who to call to reach an officer. Next, an available officer will likely meet with you in a private room. Officers will ask general questions about the crime such as who, what, and where. This can take about an hour to complete. Officers ask these questions to get information necessary to determine if the investigation should continue. For more information please contact our hotline at 1-888-521-0983.

Do I have to complete a police interview alone?

No, you may call our 24-hour hotline at 1-888-521-0983 to request a VSC advocate to accompany you to any police department in Montgomery County. If you need assistance outside of the county, you may call us and request another local resource.

Which police department do I go to if I wanted to make a report?

Normally, you visit the police department in the same area where the incident happened. (Example: if it happened in City A but you live in City B, you would report to the police department that serves City A). Please call our hotline for more guidance at 1-888-521-0983.

The crime happened in the past, can I still make a police report?

Yes, you can make a police report regardless of how much time has passed.

What happens after a police report is made?

Typically, in Pennsylvania, after the reporting officer/detective has obtained the initial information you provided, the police may further investigate. You may be asked to return to the police for a formal statement which is a more detailed interview with an officer or detective. Police may seek additional interviews with others, request surveillance, or await lab results. After any investigation is completed it is submitted to the District Attorney’s (DA's) office. It is up to the DA’s office to decide if there will be criminal charges filed. If the DA’s office decides to not charge, the case is closed and no criminal charges are filed. For more information please contact our hotline at 1-888-521-0983, as situations may vary.

My criminal case was closed. What are my options?

If the DA’s office decides not to prosecute, you may have options including filing for a restraining order, filing for a no contact order, or consulting a lawyer of your own choosing about possible civil legal claims you may have. If you would like to learn more about any of these options please call our hotline at 888-521-0983.

An arrest has been made. Will someone contact me when they get out?

Yes, however you must visit PA SAVIN website or call them at (866) 972-7284 to register. For those arrested with longer state sentences you may call the Office of Victim Advocate at 1-800-563-6399.

I am worried about my immigration status. Can I make a police report?

Normally, when making a police report, their main priority is public safety and focused on the crime/incident details. You do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police. For more information please contact our hotline, as situations may vary. Visit the ACLU website for more information about immigration and rights.

What do I do at the police station if English is not my first or preferred language?

You have the right to meaningful language access for free. You may request an interpreter at the police department. Police departments, hospitals, and courts have language line/telephonic interpreter access. VSC also utilizes language access. For more information please contact our hotline at 1-888-521-0983, as situations vary. 如果您需要帮助但不会英语，请致电888-521-0983，我们将回答您的任何问题。 Wenn Sie Hilfe benötigen, aber kein Englisch sprechen, rufen Sie bitte unsere Hotline unter 888-521-0983 an, um alle Ihre Fragen zu beantworten. Se hai bisogno di assistenza ma non parli inglese, chiama il nostro numero verde 888-521-0983 e risponderemo a tutte le tue domande. 도움이 필요하지만 영어로 대화하기 어려운 분은 상담전화 888-521-0983으로 연락 주시면 답변해 드리겠습니다. Если вам нужна помощь, но вы не говорите по-английски, позвоните на нашу горячую линию 888-521-0983, чтобы получить ответы на все вопросы. Якщо вам потрібна допомога, але ви не володієте англійською мовою, зателефонуйте на нашу гарячу лінію за номером 888-521-0983, щоб отримати відповідь на будь-які запитання.

What can I do if I have bills or expenses as a result of the crime I endured?

Victim’s Compensation is a program that offers crime victim’s financial assistance for a variety of expenses as a result of a crime. Some expenses that may qualify are: medical bills, counseling expenses, medication, relocation, loss wages, funeral expenses, stolen cash, or crime scene clean up. VSC advocates can answer any other eligibility questions and assist in completing an application for the program. Please call our hotline to learn more: 1-888-521-0983.

Do I need a lawyer if I am a victim/survivor of a crime?

No, you do not need a lawyer. For criminal matters, an assistant district attorney is appointed to represent the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Should a victim of crime want to pursue civil charges, they will need to hire their own attorney. For more information please contact our hotline, as situations may vary.

How do I know if/when I need to go to court?

You will receive a subpoena if you need to attend a court proceeding. If you are uncertain about this, you can request the assistance of a VSC advocate who can also accompany you to those proceedings. For more information please contact our hotline at 1-888-521-0983, as situations may vary.

What is a victim impact statement?

It is a written statement to the judge that you have the right to submit at the time of a sentencing hearing. An impact statement outlines the impact the crime has had on you or your loved one. You also are able to give in-person victim testimony during the sentencing as well. This informs the judge of the emotional, mental, physical, and financial implications the crime has had on you. Victim advocates are available to assist you with your victim impact statement. Please call our hotline at 1-888-521-0983 for more information.

What is restitution?

Restitution is money ordered by the judge that the defendant is to pay back to you for expenses you had as a result of the crime. For example: medical bills, stolen cash or property and/or insurance deductibles. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for giving you a form about these kinds of expenses before a sentencing hearing in your case. This form must be returned before the sentencing date. It is typically ordered when the defendant is sentenced. Victim advocates are available to assist you in filling out this paperwork. For more information please call our hotline at 1-888-521-0983.

What kind of counseling does VSC offer?

Counseling at VSC involves symptom-based, trauma informed talk therapy. Counseling at VSC focuses on the symptoms one might be experiencing as a result of a traumatic incident that is considered a crime (For example: sexual assault or abuse, robbery, loss of a loved one to homicide, etc.) Anyone over 14 years old can consent to counseling services at VSC and request an intake. VSC’s child abuse treatment program provides therapy to child survivors of abuse ages 5-17. All counseling services at VSC are free.

Who can receive counseling at VSC?

Someone affected by a crime - this can include a direct victim/survivor and their significant-others (spouse, partner, relative or friend). This can also include the witness of a crime. VSC provides services for crime victims and their significant-others regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, geography, ability, appearance, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Where do I go for counseling?

VSC offers in person counseling at our Norristown office and our satellite Jenkintown office. VSC also provides mobile counseling for children at their school for those who cannot come to counseling at one of our office locations, as we are able. For information on how to make an appointment, please submit a counseling request form or call our hotline at 1-888-521-0983.

Does VSC offer counseling online?

Yes. VSC offers online counseling through a confidential telehealth platform. For information on how to make an appointment, please submit a counseling request form or call our hotline at 1-888-521-0983.