Crime Victims Council

CVC staff are with advocates and survivors from across Pennsylvania at the Capitol to make a simple point: victim services are essential public safety and public health infrastructure, not optional line items.

For six years, state funding for many victim service programs has not received an increase—and in some cases, services have been left out of budget priorities entirely. During that time, costs have risen, demand has grown, and survivors have continued to need counseling, advocacy, accompaniment, shelter support, and legal-system navigation.

Behind every budget decision is a person: a sexual assault survivor seeking counseling, a family grieving a homicide, a child who needs advocacy, a victim trying to stay safe. When victim services are underfunded, survivors wait longer, staff burn out, and communities lose critical support systems.

We’re asking lawmakers to act. Include victim services in the state budget as a core public safety investment. Provide a meaningful funding increase after six years without one. Protect access to survivor-centered services in every community.

To everyone who showed up today—survivors, advocates, partners, and allies—thank you for raising your voices. Survivors deserve more than recognition; they deserve resources.

Wishing everyone a happy Friday and even happier Pride Month!!

🏳️‍🌈 Did you know June is Pride Month? This month we celebrate the strength, resilience, and courage of LGBTQ+ survivors and reaffirm our promise to stand beside them on their journey toward healing.

At CVC, we recognize that LGBTQIA+ individuals often face unique challenges and barriers when seeking help. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive space where all survivors can access advocacy, counseling, and support without fear of judgement.

You are seen. You are valued. You belong here. 🏳️‍🌈 💜

From lighting your lantern to picking flowers, don’t forget how much words mean and to be kind to yourself. We love seeing our staff’s creativity! This past month staff broke into teams to create Positive Self Talk posters and each group took a slightly different approach.

Join our dedicated team and be part of the mission to create a safer, more inclusive society for our young people. Your work as a Bilingual Prevention Specialist will make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and contribute to a future free from violence. Apply today on Indeed!

https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Crime-Victims-Council-of-the-Lehigh-Valley-1/jobs?jk=1be4ccc12417a0cc&start=0

Today we wear denim with purpose. 💙

Denim Day is a reminder that we believe survivors. Always. The phrase behind us says it simply: We Believe You—because support, validation, and compassion matter.

To everyone who showed up in denim today, thank you for standing in solidarity and helping shift the culture toward one that listens, believes, and empowers.

Together, we continue to raise awareness and support survivors—today and every day.

We are grateful to partner with Clear Path Wellness Lehigh Valley to provide space for their Break the Silence event again this year.

Next Wednesday 4/29 at 6pm in the lower level of our building!

CVC Staff spent the morning painting rocks for our Victims’ Rights Vigil next week and chalking our sidewalks for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

Go outside, take a deep breath, let your creativity flow, do something for you today!