Pennsylvania Rape Crisis Centers are at a Breaking Point
For more than five years, rape crisis centers have faced flat funding. Now, combined with the state budget impasse, the stability of these essential programs is under threat. Layoffs are happening weekly and survivors are forced to wait for lifesaving services.
PCAR is calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to step up and support sexual assault survivors by funding comprehensive rape crisis services. Read PCAR's Open Letter to the PA General Assembly!
The Problem
Rape crisis centers (RCCs) across Pennsylvania have endured years of chronic underfunding while continuing to provide 24/7 services to survivors of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. RCCs rely on the Rape Crisis line item in the Department of Human Services (DHS) budget, which urgently needs a meaningful increase.
Flat funding has left RCCs struggling to
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recruit and retain qualified staff
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offer competitive wages
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Provide timely. Trauma-informed round-the-clock support
The result: Survivors are left waiting for therapy, legal help, and other lifesaving services.
The Solution
PCAR is urging legislators to act now by passing the state budget with an $8 million increase to the FY 2025/26 Rape Crisis line item.
This investment will allow RCCs to meet growing demand and ensure survivors across Pennsylvania have access to the support they need.
Why It Matters
Rape crisis centers provide a wide range of vital services, including:
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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.
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Human Trafficking Services
RCCs support trafficking survivors but need additional resources to provide long-term, intensive care including safe housing, food, and transportation.
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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.
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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.
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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
Contact Your Legislator
Legislators need to hear from you. Tell them you support an $8 million increase to the Rape Crisis line item in the FY 2025/26 budget so survivors across Pennsylvania can access healing, prevention, and justice.
Donate to Your Local Rape Crisis Center
If you’re able, please give directly to your local rape crisis center. Your support provides lifesaving services that survivors in your community depend on.
Questions?
Contact PCAR’s Public Policy Director, Gabriella Romeo, at gromeo@pcar-respecttogether.org or 717-729-9740 x114.
