PA Commission of Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) – Crime Victim Compensation Board

Victim Assistance: -Administers federal Victims of Crime Act funds from penalty assessments on convicted offenders to support a broad array of community-based services for victims of violence ranging from crisis intervention to system advocacy. -Administers the State Victim/Witness Assistance Program which provides financial support, training and technical assistance to county-based victim services projects to promote the rights and services under PA’s Victim’s Bill of Rights including opportunitiexs to comment on, and receive notification of, the key decisions in the justice process. -Administers federal STOP Violence Against Women Act funds which support counties interested in promoting a coordinated, comprehensive approach to addressing violence against women with emphasis on the law enforcement, prosecutorial and victim services response. Projects funded under this inititative focus on training of law enforcement officers, prosecutors and victim advocates to more effectively identify and respond to violence against women; developing units of law enforcement officers and prosecutors specifically targeting violent crimes against women; developing more effective police and prosecution policies and protocols specificially devoted to cases of violence against women; and developing, enlarging and strengthening victim service programs including services to minorities. -Provides quarterly training opportunities for local victim/witness assistance staff on victim-related issues as well as orientation training for newly-hired victim advocates. Victims Compenstation: -Reviews claims for compensation including verification of information and documentation and makes determinations for approval or denial of claims. -Administers the Crime Victim’s Compensation Fund which provides payment of approved claims to victims of crime or other eligible persons. -Provides for continuing publicity through outreach and training on the right to file a claim, the scope of coverage and procedures to be utilized in filing such a claim.