Question 1

What are my rights as a victim?

Accepted Answer

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 (https://pcv.pccd.pa.gov/available-services/Pages/Your-Detailed-Rights-As-A-Crime-Victim.aspx)to learn more.)

Question 2

What can a VSC advocate do for me?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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.
 • Filing a civil protection order (several types of orders in Montgomery County include: Protection from Abuse order, Sexual Violence Protection order, and Protection from Intimidation order).
 • Filling out a defiant trespass order.
 • Notifying the Office of Children and Youth by making a Child-Line report (by phone or online, anonymous reporting available).
 • Talking to a trusted adult.

Question 4

What can I expect when I go to the police?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Do I have to complete a police interview alone?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

What happens after a police report is made?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

My criminal case was closed. What are my options?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, however you must visit PA SAVIN (https://www.vinelink.com/)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 (http://www.ova.pa.gov)at 1-800-563-6399.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

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 (https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights)for more information about immigration and rights.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

What is a victim impact statement?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

What is restitution?

Accepted Answer

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.

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