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Request a program with an educator. VSC educators are trained to teach ages preschool through college. Home / Prevention & Training / For Parents and Caregivers / Prevention and Training For Parents and Caregivers Victim Services Center aims to help reduce incidences of crime through prevention programs for Montgomery County communities. Parents and caregivers play a vital role in creating safe environments for our children and youth to prevent forms of violence. Below is a list of topics available. If you're interested in scheduling a program, complete the form below or contact Jessica Carson at education@vscmontcopa.org or 610-277-0932 ext. 232. If none of the listed topics meet your needs, please inquire about customized programs. Child Sexual Abuse Prevention We all have the responsibility to create a space where children are safe, respected, and believed. Below are a list of skills that parents and caregivers can learn to help prevent child sexual abuse. Adults must be educated and build the skills necessary to intervene with other adults, prevent childhood trauma, and create a safe and healthy world for children by stopping child sexual abuse. Promote safe and respectful behaviors Take action when another adult acts inappropriately with a child or children, such as insisting on spending time alone with the child or not respecting the child’s boundaries Become comfortable talking with children in your life about their bodies and development Recognize questionable behaviors in adults Talk with children about respectful relationships, age-appropriate sexual development, sexual abuse prevention, and healthy sexuality Sexual Assault Prevention A way we can protect young people and help prevent sexual assault is to provide education to parents. Below are some topics that can be discussed. VSC can provide education that can give parents the tools and confidence to talk their child about sex and relationships. Understanding consent including consent laws, power dynamics and online communication Promoting safe and healthy behaviors Respecting physical and emotional boundaries of others Asserting your own physical and emotional boundaries Positive communication, anger management and conflict resolution Other Topics Bully Prevention Technology Safety Anchor 1

Request a visit with an educator for your school. Our educators are trained to teach ages preschool through college. / Prevention & Training / For Schools / Prevention and training for schools Victim Services Center aims to help reduce incidences of crime through prevention programs for Montgomery County schools and other community groups. Programs are designed to be age-appropriate and trauma-informed for audiences; from preschool age to college-age students. Below is a list of topics available. If you are interested in scheduling a program, complete the form below or contact Jessica Carson at education@vscmontcopa.org or 610-277-0923 ext. 232. If none of the listed topics does not meet your specific needs, please inquire about customized programs. Request a Program Child Sexual Abuse Prevention It is a priority to prevent all types of abuse and neglect of children. Below are a list of skills that can help prevent child sexual abuse. While VSC has programs designed for children and youth, adults are ultimately responsible for ensuring that children are safe. Please visit our Parents and Caregivers page to learn about child sexual abuse prevention for adults. Learning about body parts Respect for bodily integrity Asking for help Social, assertive communication skills Sexual Assault Prevention Sex education should not only include information about contraception or anatomy. Quality, comprehensive sex education should include information about sex, sexuality and relationships. If we deny young people information about sex and relationships and tell them to not have sex then this also denies them the skills and tools to make healthy decisions. VSC provides inclusive, trauma-informed and culturally responsive sex education. Below are a list of skills and topics that can help prevent sexual assault. The approach is to have discussions and skill-building activities that address sexual communication, sexual respect, and consent. We also aim to improve communicate between parents and young people about sex. Legal definitions and terms related to sexual violence (i.e. sexual harassment, sexual assault) Sexual communication and consent Respect for physical and emotional boundaries in relationships Safely taking action against threatening or violent behaviors and attitudes as a bystander or friend Responding, supporting and empowering someone Other Topics Bullying Prevention Technology Safety Anchor 1

Are you a teacher in Montgomery County? This page is for you! / Get Involved / Protective Schools / Protective Schools and Communities How can we modify school and community spaces to create protective, safe environments? Discover how to modify school and community spaces to foster protective, safe environments for everyone. Explore this page for valuable tips, download our comprehensive resource guide, and reach out to us for collaboration opportunities aimed at promoting healthy relationships and supporting the social and emotional well-being of children and youth. Educators, caregivers, and adults can play a pivotal role in shaping protective and safe environments within schools and communities. Here are some effective strategies: Display resources Praise supportive school staff/faculty or community leaders Model consent every day Collaborate with local advocates and community leaders Know the facts about sexual abuse, harassment, assault and the prevention of it Amplify leaders addressing issues of sexual abuse, harassment and assault Talk about issues in the news related to relationships Engage parents in having conversations with their child about relationships Explore resources that can support your prevention efforts Inquire about VSC prevention and training opportunities Get Our Free Guide for Educators What's inside Printable Posters Printable pledge card activity sheet to engage your school community Social media graphics with empowering prevention messages Relationships Affirmation Deck for school announcements, creative arts, class meeting discussions, and daily affirmations Download the Protective Schools Resource Guide First Name Last Name Email Position Phone Would you like to receive VSC's free monthly newsletter with events and training opportunities? Would you like an educator to contact you about scheduling an education program? Send

Help VSC's advocacy team serve victims of crime < Back Advocacy Intern Help VSC's advocacy team serve victims of crime Advocacy intern candidates interview with VSC and participate in 65 hours of SAC/Victim Advocate training. Once training is successfully completed and the exam is passed, advocacy intern duties include: data entry for crime victim referrals; outreach to crime victims by phone and mail; shadowing staff when providing in-person support to clients during accompaniments to Montgomery county courthouses, hospitals, and/or police departments; completing supervision meetings with a supervisor once a week; reviewing and discussing publications related to the criminal justice process and trauma work; and completing other assignments as requested. Advocacy interns must have access to a vehicle during the internship. Training Requirements 65 Hour Sexual Assault Counselor/Victim Advocate Training Clearances FBI, Child Abuse, PA Criminal Background Time Commitment 2 in-office days per week for 1 full academic year

Request mandated reporter training from VSC. / Prevention & Training / MRT / Mandated Reporter Training Anyone who works with children, the elderly, or vulnerable populations can benefit from programs with a VSC educator. We offer training for mandatory reporters and those who are not. We've designed programs for a variety of audiences including educators, guidance counselors, attorneys, college administrators, physicians, nurses, assisted living staff, worship leaders, and many more. Our staff works with you to schedule programs at your convenience. To request more information please send an email to education@vscmontcopa.org . Request Program Information Mandated Reporting of Suspect Child Abuse Training Course The “Mandated Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse Training” (MRT) is a state-approved training course. It fulfills requirements for mandated reporters in accordance with Act 31 of 2014, Department of Human Services and Act 126 of the Pennsylvania Public School Code, Department of Education. If you would like to schedule an in-service training at your school or site, please submit the schedule request form below. For help contact education@vscmontcopa.org. Anchor 1

I was sexually assaulted. Should I go to the hospital? Call our hotline at 1-888-521-0983. / Get Help / FAQs / Frequently Asked Questions We are here to help. Please explore the FAQs below. If you would like more information about anything you see here or wish to speak with a crisis counselor immediately, please call our 24-hour hotline at 1-888-521-0983. 关于性侵犯 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. 针对强奸的法医检查和保护令 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),(https://www.abingtonhealth.org/our-locations/abington-hospital/) Bryn Mawr,(https://www.mainlinehealth.org/locations/bryn-mawr-hospital) Lankenau (https://www.mainlinehealth.org/locations/lankenau-medical-center)and Pottstown (https://pottstown.towerhealth.org/)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. 维权 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 (https://pcv.pccd.pa.gov/available-services/Pages/Your-Detailed-Rights-As-A-Crime-Victim.aspx)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. • 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. 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 (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. 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 (https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights)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. 心理咨询 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 both in-person counseling in Norristown, PA, and remote services using HIPAA-compliant technology. School-based counseling is also available for those who cannot visit VSC's office. To request counseling services, please call 888-521-0983 or complete a counseling request form. (https://www.victimservicescenter.org/counseling) 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 (http://www.victimservicescenter.org/counseling)or call our hotline at 1-888-521-0983.

The Crisis Counselor/Advocate Hotline Independent Contractor I and II report directly to the Client Information/Grant Management & Special Initiatives Supervisor and are responsible for hotline coverage during non-business hours on weekdays, weekends and Holidays. Crisis Counselor/Advocate Hotline Independent Contractor Contracted Hours Role and Responsibilities: This position reports directly to the Client Information/Grant Management and Special Initiatives Supervisor and will be responsible for responding to victims of sexual violence and other crimes in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania during assigned hotline shifts. The assigned hotline shifts are scheduled outside the agency’s normal business hours, weekends, and holidays. Response to the hotline includes but is not limited to, in-person hospital and police court accompaniments for victims of crime. This position requires flexible availability during assigned hotline shifts and the capacity to work remotely. Duties include: Provide direct services via a crisis hotline to crime victims in Montgomery County Provide crisis intervention, supportive crisis counseling, information, and appropriate referrals to connect individuals with relevant services who have been affected by violent crimes in our community Provide in-person hospital accompaniment to emergency medical examinations resulting from rape, upon contact with hospitals serving Montgomery County Execute in-person police interview accompaniment when requested by a police department in Montgomery County. Ability to answer crisis hotline calls promptly or within three rings Ability to accompany a victim at a hospital within one hour of the request Ability to organize and process case notes in a timely manner Ability to provide crisis response and support requested via hotline on assigned weekday hours, assigned weekends, and assigned holidays Must attend agency meetings and case consultation as needed Preferred Skills: The following skills will assist in the success of the applicant in the position: Problem-solving Counseling Crisis intervention Time management Qualifications and Requirements: Successful completion of VSC 65+ hour Sexual Assault Counselor/ Victim Advocate Training (provided). Candidate must reside within the Philadelphia Tri-County area: Chester, Delaware, Montgomery or Philadelphia, Bucks or be able to respond to area hospital within an hour of a request for accompaniment. Criminal Record, Child Abuse history, and FBI clearance background check required. Valid driver's license, vehicle and valid automobile insurance are required. *Spanish language skills a plus. EOE To Apply Send a resume and cover letter to Lauren Uhl at lauren-uhl@vscmontcopa.org .

Provide crisis counseling to survivors through VSC's 24-hour hotline and accompany survivors to police departments and hospitals < Back Hotline Volunteer Provide crisis counseling to survivors through VSC's 24-hour hotline and accompany survivors to police departments and hospitals Hotline volunteers undergo extensive training to assist VSC in providing crisis counseling to survivors through VSC's 24-hour hotline. Hotline volunteers provide accompaniment services at police departments and hospitals. Hotline volunteers need reliable transport to go to accompaniments, community events, etc. Training Requirements 65 Hour Sexual Assault Counselor/Victim Advocate Training Clearances FBI, Child Abuse, PA Criminal Background Time Commitment Minimum of 2 shifts per month, 1 Community Event per year, 1 year commitment to VSC

NEWS Here's the latest from Victim Services Center. If you'd like more information about anything on this page, please call us at 610-277-0932. If you would like to speak with a crisis counselor now, call our confidential, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-521-0983. Crystal Stryker Mar 30, 2023 Victim Services Center of Montgomery County to kick off sexual assault awareness month on April 3 Confirmed speakers include State Senator Katie Muth, Kristen M. Gibbons Feden, Esq., and Suzanne V. Estrella, Pennsylvania’s victim... Mary Onama, LMSW Jan 30, 2023 VSC statement on the death of Tyre Nichols When we hear about violence or see images of violent acts like those against Tyre Nichols, it is traumatizing no matter where it is. Mary Onama, LMSW Jul 1, 2022 Abortion is a human right: response to the SCOTUS Ruling Overturning Roe v. Wade Abortion is a human right that must be protected. VSC Voice (Our Newsletter) If you would like to receive our free e-newsletter with updates, events, and training opportunities, you can click here to sign up . ​ March 2024 October 2023 April 2023 March 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 ​

Sat, Oct 12 | St. John's UCC Lansdale Recognizing & Reporting Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect for Mandated Reporters Know your role in protecting children. CEUs available upon request. Time & Location Oct 12, 2024, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM St. John's UCC Lansdale, 500 W Main St, Lansdale, PA 19446, USA About The Event Know your role in the protection of children. This state-approved training course fulfills requirements for mandated reporters in accordance with Act 31 of 2014, Department of Human Services, and Act 126 of the Pennsylvania Public School Code, Department of Education. If you have any questions about this event please contact Jessica Carson by sending an email to Jessica-Carson (at) vscmontcopa (dot) org. This event is hosted by St. John's United Church of Christ in Lansdale. Everyone is welcome to attend at no cost. Read More > RSVP Share This Event

Volunteer Opportunities Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Victim Services Center (VSC) and your commitment to those we serve. By volunteering, you can help to fulfill our mission, enlighten our operations and engage the community in our activities. If you have questions about volunteering with VSC, please call Lauren Uhl, Client Information/Grant Management & Special Initiatives Supervisor, at (610) 277-0932 ext. 228 or send an email to lauren-uhl@vscmontcopa.org . Hotline Volunteer Provide crisis counseling to survivors through VSC's 24-hour hotline and accompany survivors to police departments and hospitals Read More Community Outreach Volunteer Participate in community events in Montgomery County on behalf of VSC Read More Special Event Volunteer Assist the VSC fundraising and special events committee Read More Counseling Intern For master's-level students Read More Advocacy Intern Help VSC's advocacy team serve victims of crime Read More