No financial assistance can undo the trauma caused by crime, but for victims and survivors facing medical bills, counseling costs, lost income, relocation, funeral expenses, or other eligible costs, Pennsylvania’s Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) can help provide support during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Last week, PCCD recognized the 50th anniversary of VCAP — a critical resource that has helped victims, survivors, and families across the Commonwealth for five decades. Since 2023, VCAP has paid more than $51M for 25K+ claims statewide. The @GovernorShapiro - @LGAustinDavis Admin has also secured $19.5M in funding for VCAP since 2023, including $4.5M in the 2026-27 budget. This is more than financial assistance. It is support, stability, and a path forward. Learn more about yesterday’s event and the support available through VCAP: pa.gov/agencies/pccd/newsroo… #PennsylvaniaSurvivors #VCAP #VictimServices #SurvivorSupport #VictimsCompensation

For survivors of homicide victims, the impact of crime does not end when a case closes. Former PA Office of Victims’ Services director, Lynn Shiner knows that personally. After the murder of her two young children, Lynn’s experience navigating Pennsylvania’s victim compensation system helped inspire decades of work to make that system more responsive to the people it serves. Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding helps sustain Pennsylvania’s network of local victim service organizations—supporting services such as crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, emergency shelter, and assistance navigating the criminal justice system. VOCA also supports state victim compensation programs like VCAP, which can help eligible families with expenses resulting from crime. As we remember lives lost to violence today, we also recognize the advocates and victim service professionals who walk alongside surviving families—and the importance of sustaining the resources that make that support possible. Read more about Pennsylvania’s work to support victims and strengthen VCAP: pa.gov/agencies/pccd/newsroo… #DayOfRemembrance #VictimServices #VOCAFunding #VictimsCompensation

PCCD Chair @LGAustinDavis, Commonwealth and victim service professionals, leaders and advocates came together yesterday with an urgent message: federal action is needed to stabilize VOCA funding and protect the services victims and survivors rely on. For 40+ years, Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding has supported local programs that help victims access advocacy, counseling, emergency assistance, safety planning, help navigating the justice system, and more. But the federal Crime Victims Fund is under serious strain. As VOCA funding declines, providers are being forced to make painful decisions that could affect support for victims, survivors, and families across Pennsylvania. As we recognize 50 years of VCAP and its impact across the Commonwealth, we must also protect the victim services infrastructure that helps people find safety, stability, and a path forward after crime. Learn more about yesterday’s event and the critical need to stabilize VOCA funding: pa.gov/agencies/pccd/newsroo… #VictimsCannotWait #VOCA #VictimServices #SurvivorSupport #YouAreNotAlone #VOCADayofAction

For 50 years, Pennsylvania’s Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) has helped victims and survivors rebuild their lives in the aftermath of crime.   Today, I joined the @PaCrimeComm, victim service professionals, advocates, and state leaders to recognize this important milestone — and to honor the people who make this work possible every day.   Since taking office, our Administration has secured $19.5M for VCAP to help cover eligible expenses like medical and counseling services, lost income or support, relocation, funeral costs, crime scene cleanup, and more.   No amount of financial assistance can undo the trauma caused by crime. But VCAP can help survivors and families find stability, support, and a path forward.

🔴 We’re LIVE! Join PCCD as we celebrate 50 years of Pennsylvania’s Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) — five decades of supporting crime victims and families across the Commonwealth. Tune in now to hear @LGAustinDavis, Commonwealth leaders, and victim service professionals, reflect on VCAP’s 50-year impact, and learn how Pennsylvania is working to strengthen support for victims in the years ahead. WATCH LIVE: piped.video/watch?v=Kl4XpJwa… #VCAP50 #VictimServices #PCCD

💙 You are not alone. Help is available. September is Suicide Prevention Month — a time to remind our service members, veterans and their loved ones that reaching out for support is a sign of strength. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988, then press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. You can also chat with the Veterans Crisis Line online. The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs offers resources and support for Pennsylvania’s veterans and their families. Whether you need someone to talk to, help navigating services, or assistance finding additional support, you don't have to face it alone. 🇺🇸 Reach out. Check in. Be there. A conversation can save a life. 📞 988 — Press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line #SuicidePreventionMonth #988Lifeline #VeteransCrisisLine #Veterans #Military #PADMVA #YouAreNotAlone

🔴 NOW LIVE: Join us and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for a roundtable discussion on veteran suicide prevention in the commonwealth.   If you or someone you know is a veteran who is struggling, dial 988 and press 1 anytime to speak with someone who can help. 💙 facebook.com/share/v/19Trn4q…

Watch LIVE now: pacast.com/live/dmva

Ensuring public safety is the government’s most fundamental responsibility. Americans need a criminal justice system that keeps their community safe by solving more crimes, guaranteeing swift justice for victims, and averting violence before it takes place.   By pursuing a comprehensive, bipartisan strategy, Pennsylvania is proving that we can– and must do both. dcjournal.com/pennsylvanias-…

Deora Bodley was the youngest of the 40 heroes on United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. Her mom, Debby, lives to tell her story — but she’s not alone. It’s on all of us to actively remember those killed on 9/11 and make sure that they are never forgotten. I was honored to join her and the loved ones of the heroes aboard Flight 93 to unveil the final sign on the Pennsylvania portion of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail. This trail connects all three sites impacted on that tragic day — from New York City to Virginia to Shanksville — and helps us tell the stories of Deora and the nearly 3,000 souls we lost on 9/11. May the memories of Deora and all the victims forever be a blessing.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate Pennsylvania’s Latino community whose food, language, culture, and traditions make our Commonwealth a richer, more vibrant place. To each and every Latino and Latina in Pennsylvania: I respect your heritage, and I recognize the incredible contributions that you have made to fuel progress here in our Commonwealth. I’ve got your back — and you will always have a seat at the table in my Administration.

Grateful to the public servants at the FBI for their quick work to thwart what could have been a horrific tragedy. The @PAStatePolice is proud to work with the FBI on their counterterrorism efforts here in the Commonwealth. Today and every day we are indebted to the women and men who put on the uniform and run towards danger to keep us safe.

Today we mark a solemn 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.   As one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history, I wanted to take a moment to speak on Flight 93 and the incredibly brave actions of the passengers and crew who decided to take back the plane from the hijackers and prevent the terrorists from killing any more Americans.   The men and women that perished on September 11th, 2001 will never be forgotten. May their memories be a blessing.

The 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93 remain amongst the most heroic Americans, ordinary people choosing to defend and protect our nation when they made the collective decision to retake the plane from the terrorists, preventing it from reaching its final destination. We honor their memories today on this hallowed ground and will never forget the sacrifices they made.

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we remember the nearly 3,000 souls who we tragically lost that day — and honor the bravery of the men and women who stood up to evil and ran towards danger while others were running away. I've ordered United States and Commonwealth flags on public grounds across Pennsylvania to fly at half-staff in observance of Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. May we never forget their service and sacrifice. And may their memories forever be a blessing.

Local police departments across Pennsylvania can now apply for new funding to help solve more crimes and improve crime reporting. Approximately $3.5M is available through the new Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Program, which is designed to help local agencies modernize their reporting systems, improve violent crime clearance rates, and strengthen public safety. Funding is available through 2 tracks: • #NIBRS Readiness Grants to support costs associated with agencies moving to the new federal crime data reporting system, NIBRS. • Implementation Grants to help NIBRS-compliant agencies purchase technology, equipment, training, and other tools to improve clearance rates for homicides and other violent crimes. Even as violent crime continues to decline statewide, the @GovernorShapiro - @LGAustinDavisAdministration is investing in law enforcement and local tools that help make communities safer. Learn more about the VICTIM Program and apply here: pa.gov/agencies/pccd/newsroo… #PennsylvaniaLawEnforcement #PoliceFunding #CrimeTech #PennsylvaniaPublicSafety

Today, @GovernorShapiro announced a new revitalization effort in Chester City, which brings nearly $100M in public and private investments to strengthen infrastructure, expand violence prevention, address blight, and support economic growth. As part of this work, $440K+ through PCCD’s VIP program will support Making a Change Group in providing mentoring and credible messenger-based violence intervention services to young adults in 3 Chester City neighborhoods. Learn more about PCCD’s effort to support local partners, community-centered solutions, and investments that help residents feel safer in the places they call home: pa.gov/agencies/pccd/program… #ViolencePrevention #VIPGrants #GunViolencePrevention #PennsylvaniaCommunitySafety #ChesterPA