Ask your state legislator to support the essential work of rape crisis centers across Pennsylvania by voting to increase the Rape Crisis line item in the Department of Human Services budget.
The Problem
Rape crisis centers (RCCs) across Pennsylvania have faced years of chronic underfunding despite providing essential, 24/7 services to survivors of sexual violence. These centers rely on funding from the Rape Crisis line item in the Department of Human Services (DHS) budget, which is in desperate need of a meaningful increase.
Flat funding has left RCCs struggling to recruit and retain qualified staff, offer competitive wages, and ensure effective, round-the-clock support. This funding gap puts survivors at risk by delaying access to therapy, legal assistance, and other life-saving services.
The Solution
PCAR is calling for an $8 million increase to the FY 2025/26 Rape Crisis line item. This investment would allow RCCs to meet the increasing demand for rape crisis services across Pennsylvania.
Why It Matters
Rape crisis centers provide a wide range of vital services, including:
Survivor Support & Therapy
Therapy and counseling services are the most requested service and the largest unmet need. With proper funding, centers can meet clinical requirements and offer timely, trauma-informed care.
Human Trafficking Services
RCCs support trafficking survivors but need additional resources to provide long-term, intensive care including safe housing, food, and transportation.
Prevention Education
Only a fraction of Pennsylvania’s K-12 students currently receive prevention education due to limited funding. Increased support would allow RCCs to deliver these programs more broadly, helping prevent sexual violence before it happens.
Legal Assistance
The Sexual Violence Legal Assistance Project (SVLAP) helps survivors navigate the legal system, but demand far exceeds current capacity. More funding would enable legal representation to reach underserved areas.
24/7 Hotline
Hotlines are a crucial lifeline for survivors. Funding ensures they remain fully staffed and responsive, providing immediate support at all hours.
What You Can Do to Help
Legislators need to hear that their constituents care about ensuring access to vital services for survivors of sexual violence. You can support this critical funding increase by contacting your state legislator and asking them to invest in healing, prevention, and justice across Pennsylvania by supporting an $8 million increase to the Rape Crisis line item in the FY 2025/26 state budget.
Questions?
Contact PCAR’s Public Policy Director, Gabriella Romeo, at gromeo@pcar-respecttogether.org or 717-729-9740 x114.