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24-hour response to medical request for support to domestic violence victims -- victims or their family/friends can call the hotline to request help, in addition, Tyler Memorial Hospital and Geisinger Medical Group-Wyoming County provides universal screening for patients of domestic violence.
Accompaniment to hospitals, police stations and court proceedings -- following a crime, victims many times are alone. A staff member or volunteer from the VRC will accompany a victim to a hospital to receive emergency treatment, to a police station to file a report and to court proceedings to offer support during these difficult times.
Advocacy for victims’ rights -- VRC works with other organizations to educate local and national legislators about the importance for laws that protect the rights of victims.
Assistance with crime victims’ compensation claims -- victims of crime have the right to be compensated financially for their out of pocket losses due to emotional and physical injuries. We can assist victims with properly completing the necessary paperwork to file a claim. Click here for more information
Assistance with completing victim impact statements -- Victims involved in criminal prosecutions are notified of their right to offer a written and oral victim impact statement detailing the physical, psychological and economic effects of the crime. Upon request, the victim can receive assistance in preparing his or her statement.
Assistance with filing Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders -- PFA paperwork can be complicated to complete. In Wyoming County, our trained staff can assist victims of crime in properly completing the paperwork and providing information about filing procedures.
Assistance with restitution claim forms -- VRC counselor/advocate will inform victims of their right to restitution under Pennsylvania law and advocate on behalf of the victim for the inclusion of restitution in any court disposition.
Community events -- VRC staff and volunteers regularly organize community events, such as Take Back the Night Rally, the Clothesline Project and Candlelight Vigil to demonstrate support for victims of crime and bring attention to these issues with the community at large.
Court orientation -- VRC counselor/advocates provide basic information and orientation to any legal proceeding for those victims who are involved in prosecutions.
Crisis intervention -- VRC counselor/advocates provide a range of services to a victim during any crisis that may occur in the aftermath of a crime in order to assist a victim in managing the crisis.
Education -- VRC provides numerous crime prevention educational programs for young children, adolescents, college students and adults. Please link to Education for more information.
Individual counseling -- VRC counselor/advocates provide support, information and options to assess each victims needs and develop a plan to address these needs.
Information and referral -- VRC staff will provide information and referral to resources that meet victim-identified needs that cannot be met by the center.
Notification of juvenile court proceedings -- All victims of juvenile crime have the right to be notified of all juvenile court proceedings. VRC counselor/advocates work with the juvenile probation officer and the prosecutor to ensure these rights.
Referral to shelters -- Staff members can link a female domestic violence victim to a shelter in a surrounding county for the safety of the victim and her children.
Safe Housing -- VRC maintains a list of appropriate referrals for male victims.
Support groups -- VRC support groups provide an opportunity for victims of crime to come together to share experiences and gain strength as part of their healing.
Personal advocacy -- VRC counselor/advocates will provide intervention to obtain information and provide active and visible support in order for victims to obtain needed services and resources.
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