Governor Shapiro secured a $12 million increase in funding for rape crisis centers in the 2026-27 budget, the largest increase in Pennsylvania history.
Carlisle, PA. — The Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect joined Governor Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, survivors, advocates, and community leaders today at YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County to recognize Pennsylvania’s historic investment in rape crisis services.
The 2026–27 state budget includes a $12 million increase for Pennsylvania’s rape crisis centers, bringing the total state appropriation to $24.17 million. The increase nearly doubles state funding for the Commonwealth’s network of 47 rape crisis centers and represents the largest investment in these services in Pennsylvania history.
For years, survivors, rape crisis center staff, volunteers, community partners, and advocates across Pennsylvania raised the alarm about growing demand, workforce shortages, service reductions, and the consequences of stagnant funding. They contacted lawmakers, shared personal experiences, attended meetings, organized rallies, and called on state leaders to protect the services survivors rely on.
Their voices drove meaningful action.
“This investment belongs to every survivor who found the courage to tell the truth, every advocate who continued answering the hotline, and every rape crisis center that kept its doors open while operating under extraordinary pressure,” said Joyce Lukima, Chief Operating Officer of Respect Together and Coalition Director of PCAR. “Survivors should never have to wonder whether help will be available when they reach out. This funding gives centers an opportunity to stabilize their teams, restore services, reduce waiting lists, and provide survivors with the consistent, experienced support they deserve.”
Pennsylvania’s rape crisis centers provide free and confidential services, including 24-hour crisis hotlines, counseling, medical and legal advocacy, accompaniment during hospital and court proceedings, emergency assistance, support groups, prevention education, and services for survivors’ loved ones.
“Pennsylvania’s rape crisis centers have spent years stretching limited resources while the need for their services continued to grow,” said Gabriella Romeo, Public Policy Director for PCAR. “This increase will help centers retain experienced advocates, rebuild counseling capacity, strengthen hotline coverage, expand prevention work, and respond more quickly when a survivor needs help. It sends a clear message to survivors across the Commonwealth: Pennsylvania hears you, believes you, and is investing in the people who will stand beside you.”
During the event, Governor Shapiro recognized the importance of the Commonwealth’s rape crisis centers and the need to ensure they have sufficient resources.
“The work our 47 rape crisis centers do every day is incredibly important to the communities they serve,” Governor Shapiro said. He added that the administration was proud to secure the historic increase and ensure providers have the resources they need across Pennsylvania.
Secretary Arkoosh emphasized the experience and human connection rape crisis advocates provide during moments of trauma and isolation.
“In times of crisis, who responds and the experience they bring makes all the difference,” Secretary Arkoosh said. “Our rape crisis centers are here so people have a support network that is on their side.”
YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County CEO Maddie Young described the funding as essential to maintaining frontline services after the organization experienced a staffing crisis.
“Thank you for hearing us,” Young said. “This increased funding will allow us to continue providing advocates, supplies, shelter, and basic needs to victims and families going through a rape crisis.”
Survivor and YWCA board member Andrea Greene spoke about the advocates who answer crisis calls, accompany survivors to hospitals, and help young people seek protection.
The funding, Greene said, will allow rape crisis centers to continue standing with survivors and telling them, “We see you, we hear you, we believe you, and we support you.”
The historic increase follows years of sustained statewide advocacy led by survivors and Pennsylvania’s rape crisis centers. PCAR thanks Governor Shapiro, Secretary Arkoosh, members of the General Assembly, YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County, and every person who helped communicate the urgent need for this investment.
“This is a turning point for Pennsylvania’s rape crisis system,” Lukima said. “Centers now have an opportunity to rebuild after years of doing more with less. Our responsibility is to ensure this investment reaches communities quickly and translates into stronger, more accessible support for every survivor who needs it.”
The cost of inaction would have been paid by survivors. Pennsylvania chose to act.
Read more about Governor Shapiro’s 2026-27 budget, view the Governor’s remarks as prepared here, or watch the Governor’s delivered remarks here.
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