Welcome to the first edition of PCAR's new public policy newsletter: Policy Pulse.
In this quarterly newsletter you will learn about the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR)'s public policy advocacy – including legislative updates, news to know, last quarter highlights, and calls to action.
PCAR and the Pennsylvania network of rape crisis centers advocate for changes in federal and state legislation to further our mission to end sexual violence and advocate for the rights and needs of sexual assault victims. Legislation is most effective when it is responsive to the realities of local communities and victims.
2025 Highlights
Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System / NSAKI Grant
In October 2024, Act 122 of 2024 was passed by the Pennsylvania General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Shapiro. This legislative win updates the Sexual Assault Testing and Evidence Collection Act by establishing a rape kit tracking system in Pennsylvania. Sexual assault victims have the right to be notified of the status of their rape kit. This system will allow victims, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and advocates to track the collection, status, and destruction of rape kits.
To support the implementation of Act 122 of 2024, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) has been awarded a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance through the FY24 National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (NSAKI). This critical funding will support the enhancement of Pennsylvania’s processes for handling, tracking, and testing sexual assault kits across the Commonwealth.
PCCD has also convened a multidisciplinary team (MDT) to guide project implementation. This team includes representatives from law enforcement, forensic laboratories, PA Department of Health, Hospital Association of PA, healthcare providers (SANEs), children’s advocacy centers, victim service agencies, including PCAR, and other key stakeholders. The MDT plays an essential role in ensuring effective interagency coordination and communication, identifying barriers and solutions, system integration, and accessibility for both survivors and professionals.
Good Day PA
PCAR was featured on Good Day PA to talk about the urgent need for a state budget increase for rape crisis services across Pennsylvania. Watch the video here: https://www.abc27.com/good-day-pa/pennsylvania-coalition-to-advance-respect-rape-crisis-centers-are-in-dire-need-of-support/.
Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women Roundtable
On August 26th, PCAR, advocates, and survivors joined Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, Secretary of Department of Human Services, and Ashley Walkowiak, Executive Director of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Women for a sexual assault roundtable discussion.
The roundtable sought to identify policy issues and strategize solutions that can support advocates and organizations in providing education, programs, and care to those who need it. The discussion included prevention efforts, how organizations are making services accessible to survivors, and how Commonwealth agencies can help reduce barriers to providing sexual assault services to people in all Pennsylvania communities. The roundtable was hosted at the Lancaster YWCA.
Policy Updates
Rape Crisis Center Funding
For 135 days, Pennsylvania’s rape crisis centers endured the uncertainty and hardship of the state budget impasse—and every day without a budget came at a cost to survivors. To remain open, many centers maxed out credit cards and lines of credit. Staff layoffs occurred in waves, and survivors experienced longer wait times for critical services.
In Philadelphia, WOAR—the city’s only rape crisis center—faced drastic layoffs, shrinking staff from 30 employees to just five. Counseling and therapy services were disrupted, forcing 121 active clients to seek care elsewhere.
For more than five years, rape crisis centers have operated under flat funding, even as costs for staffing, utilities, and program delivery have steadily increased. The modest $250,000 increase in the 2025–26 budget—just over 2%—falls far short of what is needed to stabilize the network or meet the growing demand for services. PCAR is urging lawmakers to take the next step by committing to a $12.5 million increase in the Department of Human Services line item for rape crisis services in the 2026–27 budget.
If you live in Pennsylvania, contact your legislator and urge them to pass a budget with a meaningful increase for rape crisis centers across the Commonwealth.
Learn how to support funding for rape crisis centers here: https://pcar.org/support-funding-pennsylvania-rape-crisis-centers.
Act 5 of 2025 (HB 355) – Increasing Grading on Corruption of Minor Charges in Cases Where the Perpetrator is a Person of Authority
This piece of legislation enhances the sentencing guidelines for mandatory reporters who sexually assault minors. The bill was initially conceived by Chris McGhee, a father of a child who was sexually assaulted by a York City police officer in 2021. Survivor voices deserve to be heard in all spaces. PCAR applauds survivors and their families that advocate for legislative change. This success story demonstrates that meaningful change can occur from grassroot efforts.
Bills to Watch
House Bill 462 & House Bill 464
At PCAR, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Association of Sexual Assault Centers, we seek legislative reforms that expand the rights and options of victims and strengthen sexual assault prevention in every community. A top priority is establishing a look-back window for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse to access civil justice.
In June, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed House Bill 462 and House Bill 464 sponsored by Representative Nate Davidson. This is a major step forward for these critical bills to establish a ‘look-back’ window for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. HB 462 attempts to extend the statute of limitations for a two-year period, creating a temporary window for victims to file civil claims. HB 464 would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to also create a two-year civil ‘look-back’ window for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Both bills have been referred to the Pennsylvania Senate for further consideration.
Ways to Get Involved
Support the PCAR Bridge Fund
The PCAR Bridge Fund ensures Pennsylvania’s rape crisis centers can continue providing life-saving services for sexual assault survivors during financial crises. This fund provides emergency support for rape crisis centers so they can keep their doors open, hotlines answered, and staff available for sexual assault survivors who need them.
Learn more about the fund and make a donation at https://pcar.org/pcar-bridge-fund-supporting-pa-rape-crisis-centers-so-they-can-keep-serving-sexual-assault-survivors
Connect with Your Local Rape Crisis Center
Rape crisis centers are only as strong as the communities that stand behind them. You can play a vital role in supporting survivors by volunteering your time, sharing your skills, or making a donation to your local rape crisis center. Whether you serve on a hotline, help with prevention education, provide administrative support, or amplify their work in your community, your involvement makes a meaningful difference. We encourage you to learn more about your local center and take action today—together, we can ensure survivors across Pennsylvania receive the care, advocacy, and support they deserve.
Find your local rape crisis center here: https://pcar.org/help-pa/locations.
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