If you need legal assistance, call 717-901-6784, Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
or submit an online request in the form at the bottom of this page.
If you are in danger, considering suicide, or need emergency help, CALL 911 (in the U.S.), or your local authorities now.
A Survivor First Approach to Lawyering | The Sexual Violence Legal Assistance Project
Established in 2018 by a federal grant, The Sexual Violence Legal Assistance Project (SVLAP) has served over a thousand survivors in their pursuit of justice. The attorneys of SVLAP approach sexual assault and rape cases with a trauma-informed lens, with the project focusing on the victim and not just the case. By offering free legal services to communities without legal resources in Pennsylvania, SVLAP has built its legal practice by putting the victim first.
“You took a holistic approach to my case. You helped me consider each option from a legal standpoint as well as what would be best for me and my healing process. You always encouraged and empowered me. It is through working with you that I have fully come to understand the impact a lawyer can have on a survivor’s life.” - Client
SVLAP services are 100% free to clients and completely confidential. All attorneys are licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and all communications are covered by attorney-client privilege.
SVLAP offers services in the following areas:
Criminal Justice Advocacy: SVLAP lawyers provide representation to victims involved in the criminal justice system to ensure that their rights as a crime victim are enforced. We also advocate for victims who report their assault to law enforcement, but no charges are ever filed.
General Legal Advice: A common service that is provided is general legal advice. Clients like to know what the process looks like should they report a sexual assault to law enforcement, their school or employer. Our lawyers are happy to discuss the options and how things can play out for you as well as what could be expected of you in a court case.
“You are the first person I have ever told that I was assaulted. Your validation and support gave me the strength to make this scary process less intimidating. I felt really secure knowing I had someone in my corner fighting for me.” - Client
Sexual Violence Protection Order: SVLAP is always ready to stand with survivors to provide representation for a sexual violence protection order, which is an order of no contact. These orders can be powerful peace of mind tools to survivors of sexual assault.
Title IX Work: SVLAP attorneys stand ready to assist college and university students as their “advisor of choice” during the Title IX process following a sexual assault or rape. For K-12 students, SVLAP helps to explain the rights of the families affected by sexual assault in schools and prepare them for the investigative process.
Other Areas: SVLAP offers other areas of specialty such as: housing issues, employment issues, name change petitions, and PREA advocacy for those that suffered sexual assault, harassment, or rape.
The legal system is daunting, let SVLAP help by explaining the process and guide you through the system with your growth and healing as a priority.
“It is impossible to put into words how grateful I am to this organization. You gave me a safe harbor to rest in after my assault. Your concern, empathy and kindness were phenomenal from the moment I first contacted you. You encouraged me and helped me find justice and closure on my terms.” - Client
SVLAP partners with the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect’s (PCAR) network of rape crisis centers to help provide a path towards healing for survivors that are seeking legal help. While SVLAP uses trauma-informed practices, the lawyers are not counselors or therapists and happily provide referrals to all survivors.
SVLAP does not pursue any cases against individuals or institutions that result in a monetary damage award; therefore, our financial survival solely relies on donations and grants. Interested in donating to the project? Donations can be made here. Please ensure your donations is made to the Sexual Violence Legal Assistance Project.
Resources:
About the Sexual Violence Legal Assistance Project (PDF): English | Espanol
Help for People with Disabilities (PDF): English
Help for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (PDF): English
Options for Civil Protection Orders in Pennsylvania (PDF): English | Espanol
2016 Amendments to the Child Protective Services Law (PDF): English
If you have concerns that your phone calls or online request form submission may be monitored and you do not want others to know that you have contacted the Sexual Violence Legal Assistance Project, we recommend you locate a safe computer, tablet or other device with internet access and visit www.rainn.org or www.nsvrc.org to find resources near you. If you have concerns that your calls or internet use may be monitored and you have already called the Sexual Violence Legal Assistance Project or submitted an online request form, we recommend you clear your call and internet history from your device.
Please be aware that even if you delete your call or web history from your device, your service provider may keep or store your logs for an indefinite period of time, and your service provider might provide it to anyone who has access to your account.
Contact us:
If you need legal assistance, call 717-901-6784, Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. to speak with a legal provider or submit an online request: