17th Pathways For Victim Services Conference Registration Now Open!

PCCD’s Office of Victims Services is accepting conference registrations now through October 31, 2023. Check out the 2023 Pathways Conference Agenda to view the schedule and see keynote speakers and workshop presentations!

Visit Pathways for Victim Services Conference Registration to register.

The Pathways for Victim Services Conference provides an opportunity for victim service providers and allied professionals to join for national keynote speakers, informative workshops, networking opportunities and the presentation of the Governor’s Victim Service Pathfinder Awards. The cost of this three-day conference is $75 which includes workshops, attendance to the Pathfinder Award Ceremony & Luncheon, and light refreshments. 

Attendees will have 36 workshops to choose from in a variety of victim service centered topics. Seating is limited so be sure to register soon.

Check out our scheduled Keynote Speakers!

REWIND ~ Documentary Film Screening Followed By Keynote Address by the Creator

Presented by: Sasha Joseph Neulinger

In his candid personal memoir, Sasha Joseph Neulinger revisits his childhood and the events that tore apart his seemingly-perfect world. For as long as Neulinger can remember, his father was constantly filming—from birthday parties to hockey games, to holidays. But his camera, trained on the frequent gatherings of a tight-knit family, was also documenting a hidden secret, the revelation of which would lead to a media firestorm, a high-stakes court battle, and a generational reckoning. Drawing upon an incredibly revealing home video archive, Neulinger revisits these events 20 years later to piece together an unflinching story of the cycles and consequences of abuse, to examine what it means to heal, and to use those experiences to effect positive change in the world. REWIND probes the gap between image and reality and proves just how little, and how much, a camera can capture.

From Victim to Survivor

Presented by: Taylor Dumpson

“From Victim to Survivor” is a keynote address based on Taylor’s experience as a racially- and gender-motivated hate crime survivor and cyber-harassment target after becoming the first Black woman elected student government president at American University in 2017.

After this presentation, the audience will leave with an understanding that being culturally competent and trauma-informed are essential components to providing support to victims of crimes, especially identity-based threats and violence. The audience will also develop an understanding for the unique way cyber-harassment impacts a person’s ability to access places of public accommodations and services. The audience will also come away with an understanding about how racism continues to impact our society in the 21st Century, and the different ways racism is gendered in order to specifically target women of color.

The Great Irony: Connecting Burnout and Workplace Bullying in the Anti-violence Movements 

Presented by: Trace Fleming-Trice, LICSW-S

The great irony of the anti-violence field is that advocates are being harmed in our organizations daily. Trace Fleming-Trice believes we can do better and will discuss how advocates can recognize and alleviate this irony in the anti-violence field. If even one advocate is being harmed, the Anti-Violence Movements must move. This keynote will discuss how workplace bullying is connected to burnout, what advocates experiences are telling us, and how all of us can be directly involved in ensuring that advocates are supported in our organizations. Before becoming the founder and Executive Director of Self-Care For Advocates, a national nonprofit that advocates for anti-violence advocates Trace worked in the gender-based violence victim/survivor advocacy movement for close to 20 years. Trace is a disarming presenter, who often uses humor to help tackle difficult conversations. 

For additional questions, please contact the Pathways Conference Team at RA-CD-Pathfinder@pa.gov.

For accommodation and booking information please use this link: Pathways Conference Booking at the Penn Stater

We look forward to seeing you there!

Victims Services Satisfaction Survey (VS3)

The statewide launch of the Victims Services Satisfaction Survey (VS3) occurs October 1, 2023. (Agencies had the option to begin using the VS3 as early as July 1^st.) The VS3 will replace the ESQ-LF. All victims’ service agencies receiving VOCA funding and providing services to adult victims will be required to transition to the VS3 on October 1, 2023. Specific information regarding the VS3 and its implementation was provided to VOCA funded agencies in June through a series of three virtual trainings provided by OVS.  

Please click here to view the FAQ Document

Please click here to view the Implementation Checklist

All effected VOCA agencies received their agency specific Link & QR code for the electronic survey. The VS3 is currently available in English and Spanish. A paper version of the survey was also provided but is currently only available in English (Spanish version coming soon). 

OVS will be offering two optional mini refresher trainings to supplement the information provided during the June sessions. Please advise your designated survey contacts to be on the look-out for the Microsoft Teams meeting invitations. These training sessions will provide a brief overview of the survey distribution and documentation process and provide agencies the opportunity to ask any survey related questions in preparation for their agency’s implementation. The dates are as follows:

• September 15^th 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
• September 19^th 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Questions about the training can be directed to Terrance Williams at terrancwil@pa.gov or Jennie Seigler at jseigler@pa.gov.

Final Reminder: Planned Outage and Upgrade for the Pennsylvania Victim Services Training Website

This is a reminder that the Pennsylvania Victim Services Training website is undergoing an upgrade this week and is currently unavailable until the new platform launches on September 11, 2023. All learners with an active account on the website will receive an email on September 11 with instructions on how to log in to the new platform for the first time.

As a reminder, learners with accounts on the Pennsylvania Victim Services Training site will retain all course completion certificates, and all courses available on the Pennsylvania Victim Services Training website will continue to be available after the upgrade. Progress on courses that have been started but not finished will not be retained.

If you have any questions or concerns during this process, please do not hesitate to reach out to PVSTsupport@psu.edu for assistance.

Revised Consolidated Victim Service Program Standards

Throughout the year, there have been several updates to the OVS Consolidated Standards. These updates affect the following standards:

·       Media

·       Use of Technology in the Provision of Services to Victims

·       Program Administration

·       Outreach

On February 7^th, 2023, the Victims Services Advisory Committee (VSAC) adopted the Media Standard which provides guidance to victim service program staff regarding victims’ choices to interact with the media and guidelines for media relations whether in direct contact with the media or by print or digital means.

On May 9^th, 2023, the VSAC approved updates to both the Use of Technology in the Provision of Services to Victims and Program Administration Standards. The Use of Technology in the Provision of Services to Victims Standard has been updated to expand safeguards for victims utilizing technology and to be reflective of Victim Services Programs’ online and social media presence.

The Program Administration Standard has been updated under section D, Personnel Management, to include ‘Determination of Suitability to Interact with Participating Minors'. This affects grant awards involving, but not limited to, the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Rights and Services Act (RASA) and Victims of Juvenile Offenders (VOJO) funding streams. Information regarding this requirement was previously provided to the field on March 6, 2023.

Please click here to view the correspondence.

The final update pertains to the Outreach Standard approved by the VSAC on August 8, 2023. Updates to the Outreach Standard discuss providing timely outreach to victims while avoiding duplicative outreach and services in the service area. 

The revised standards have been updated and can be accessed here.

Victim Services Programs who have OVS as oversight entity will be required to submit updated policies and procedures relevant to the Media, Use of Technology in the Provision of Services to Victims, and Outreach Standards for programmatic monitoring visits beginning January 1, 2024.

Inquiries regarding these updates may be directed to Heather Cureau, OVS Program Supervisor, by emailing hcureau@pa.gov or by calling 717.265.8712. 

What People Misunderstand About Rape

Sexual assault often goes unpunished when victims fail to fight back. But investigators, psychologists and biologists all describe freezing as an involuntary response to trauma.

Please click here to read.

Victims' Right to Participate Post-Conviction

Nearly 40 years after their murders, the family of Bradley and Ferne Hart filed a brief in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals seeking to be treated fairly and with dignity. Meg Garvin, Paul Cassell and the legal team at Gibson Dunn served as counsel for the victim arguing for affirmance of a sanctions order against the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office for failing to protect crime victims’ rights.

Please click here to read.

First Responder Systems Help More Youth In Crisis

Youth across the country are facing an urgent mental health crisis. Experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Children’s Hospital Association have declared this a national emergency, and research has shown an increased number of youth being hospitalized for mental and behavioral health needs.

Please click here to read.

What Has Longitudinal Research On Teen Dating Violence Taught Us?

Findings from the STRiV (National Survey on Teen Relationships and Intimate Violence) offer insight into potential intervention and prevention strategies to reduce teen dating violence and sexual harassment. 

Please click here to read.

Stalking Behaviors Targeting Immigrant Victims

This resource helps responders identify the unique ways that SLII (Surveillance, Life invasion, Intimidation, and Interference through sabotage or attack) behaviors can express themselves for immigrant stalking victims.

Please click here to access.

As Research Grows into How to Stop Gun Violence, One City Looks to Science for Help

In recent years, research reviews have begun to conclude there’s enough evidence to say which public health interventions prevent shootings, which do not, and which need more study. Knoxville is one of a growing number of cities teaming with researchers to develop an evidence-based plan to stop the bleeding.

Please click here to read.

Advocating for Military-Connected Survivors 101 Virtual Training

The National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA), is excited to invite civilian community victim advocates, criminal justice professionals, and civilian professionals working with military-connected survivors to attend a FREE Virtual Training Course on Building Military-Civilian Collaborative Community Responses to expand and enhance support for military-connected victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

Please click here to register.

Webinar To Build Cross-Sector Partnerships

September 13 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

$65.00

The Regional Interdisciplinary Collaborative to Disrupt Human Trafficking (The RIC), invites you to attend a human trafficking Webinar to Build Cross-Sector Partnerships to address human trafficking in the medical and first responder settings. This panel of healthcare experts and survivors will discuss how to identify and engage victims of human trafficking as well as provide perspectives from a lived experienced panelist. They will also provide model examples on developing a plan for those identified as victims by developing a plan with 24/7 community partners.  

Please click here to register.

Rebuilding Safety On Campus

Clery Center’s 2023 National Campus Safety Awareness Month Virtual Summit will explore how to rebuild and enhance the feeling of safety on campus in a post-pandemic culture dealing with budget cuts, mental health crises, and divergences between safety practices and public perception. We will bring together higher education and campus safety leaders and stakeholders from around the country to discuss how to foster innovation, prioritize the well-being and security of campus communities holistically, address growing mental health concerns, and more via interviews, panels, and discussion groups — view the full agenda here.

Reserve your spot today!

Please click here to register.

Collaborative Responses To Domestic Violence In Rural Communities

The Institute for Coordinated Community Response is holding a conference on October 2 & 3 entitled Collaborative Responses to Domestic Violence in Rural Communities. Coordinated Community Responses (CCRs) have been recognized as a best practice in reducing domestic violence since the Violence Against Women Act was enacted over 20 years ago. CCRs can be particularly effective in rural communities, where close-knit relationships and highly engaged community members provide an ideal jumping off point for collaborative efforts. However, with limited resources that must stretch further than their urban counterparts’, it can often be a struggle to implement and sustain this approach.  Recognizing this, ICCR and the Conference on Crimes Against Women are coming together to provide critical training and resources for implementing collaborative, systemic responses to domestic violence in rural communities nationwide.

Please click here to register.

Disability Inclusion and Intersectionality Webinar

Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023

2:00 - 3:30 PM ET

This session addresses the relationship between race and disability and establishes a common language around intersectionality. You will walk away with insights into cultivating programs, practices, and an organizational culture that is grounded in racial justice, disability justice, and inclusion.

Please click here to register.

The Challenges of Drug and Alcohol Facilitated Sexual Assaults

October 4, 2023 10:00 am – 1:30 pm

Last day to register: September 20, 2023

This three-hour program will discuss the crime of alcohol and drug-facilitated sexual assault (AFSA/FSA) and its impact on victims, law enforcement, and society. The challenges of this crime include the many different drugs that are used, the reporting of the crime, proper evidence collection, and the analyses of specimens collected from alleged victims. Strong, central nervous system depressants are typically used to commit DFSA and focus will be on their effects on and how these drugs create difficulties in the investigation.

Contact Person for event: Barbara Sheaffer at Bsheaffer@pcar-respecttogether.org

Please click here to register.

National Convening on Witness Intimidation

• Oct 5, 2023 12:30 PM
• Oct 6, 2023 12:30 PM

Violent criminals escape justice by intimidating the witnesses to their crimes. Intimidation ranges from crude actions and behaviors, such as spontaneous verbal threats, to complex, orchestrated, multi-person efforts to prevent witnesses from participating in the criminal justice process. When intimidation is successful, criminal behavior escapes the purview of law enforcement, and offenders are emboldened to perpetrate further crimes unchecked by the justice system. Prosecutors, law enforcement, and advocates must do more to keep victims safe, hold offenders accountable, and build trust with the communities they serve.

Please click here to register.

Empowering Victim Advocates : Training On Statute Of Limitations And Civil Justice For Sexual Abuse Victims

Virtual via Zoom Meeting

October 5, 2023 | 10 AM – 11 AM

PCCD Training Hour Approval: 1

Registration fee: $0

Presenters:

Jennifer Storm, Coordinator of Advocacy and Community Outreach

Benjamin Andreozzi, Managing Partner at Andreozzi + Foote

Your dedication to improving the lives of survivors of sexual abuse aligns perfectly with the objectives of this training including, but not limited to, an introduction of Statute of Limitations, supporting survivors through the legal process, and information on civil justice for survivors. By deepening your understanding of these legal aspects, you will be better equipped to guide survivors through the complexities they may face. Moreover, our interactive approach will facilitate meaningful discussions and practical takeaways that can be immediately applied in your advocacy efforts.

Registration opens September 5, 2023 under the PDAI Training Calendar at www.pdaa.org. 

Identification & Response To Commerical Sexual Exploitation Of Children (CSEC) For Court Personnel

On October 27, 2023 from 12 – 1:30 PM, AOPC in collaboration with The Children’s Advocacy Centers of Pennsylvania will present Identification & Response to Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) for Court Personnel. The training will provide information on how to identify human trafficking victims within the court system, collaborate with allied professionals to overcome barriers and provide meaningful access to justice for systems-involved victims.



 Please click here to register.

Victims Compensation Assistance Program Online Trainings

The following trainings will be held on September 14, 2023. 

• · Motor Vehicle-Related Crime Expenses Clinic - 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
• · Relocation Expenses Clinic – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

The following trainings will be held on September 19, 2023. 

• “Wow, That’s Covered by Compensation” - 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Stolen Benefit Cash Expenses Clinic – 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The following trainings will be held on September 26, 2023. 

• ·Loss of Earnings Clinic - 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
• Counseling Expenses Clinic – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

The following trainings will be held on October 2, 2023. 

• Loss of Support Clinic - 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
• Medical Expenses Clinic – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

The following trainings will be held on October 10, 2023. 

• Basic Compensation - 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The following trainings will be held on October 18, 2023. 

• Funeral & Burial Expenses Clinic - 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
• Transportation Expenses Clinic – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

The following trainings will be held on October 25, 2023. 

• Crime Scene Cleanup Expenses Clinic - 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
• Myths of Compensation Clinic – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

All trainings count towards 1 hour of the required RASA/VOCA/VOJO training hours, except Basic Compensation which counts towards 2 and DAVE training which counts towards 2.25.

Please click here to register.

Please click here to view current employment opportunities.