In February, Governor Tom Corbett proposed an increase in state funding for rape crisis services in Pennsylvania. Throughout the session, the Legislature and Governor Corbett demonstrated their understanding and support for Pennsylvanians to be better able to protect children, afford protection orders to victims of sexual assault, prosecute the crimes of trafficking and provide services to help heal Pennsylvanians impacted by these crimes.
The changes made to the Child Protective Services Law will increase the need for services to children in the Commonwealth and for training for adults to know their legal responsibilities to keep children safe. Governor Corbett and the Pennsylvania legislature know that the promises of belief, action and safety to children who are victims of sexual violence must be kept.
The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and the network of rape crisis centers who provide free, confidential around the clock services in every county thank the Governor, legislative leaders and members of the Pennsylvania House and the Senate for partnering to protect this budget increase. This recognition for the need of rape crisis services across the Commonwealth is good public policy that will positively change the lives of many.
Founded in 1975, PCAR works to eliminate all forms of sexual violence and advocates for the rights and needs of sexual assault victims. PCAR partners with a network of rape crisis programs to bring help, hope and healing around issues of sexual violence to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Each year these centers provide confidential services, at no charge, to more than 30,000 men, women and children affected by sexual abuse.