Mercer County Receives $197,480 for Crime Victims

Funding assists advocacy programs to help them get lives back on track

Harrisburg – State Senator Bob Robbins applauded the recent awarding of $197,480 in funding to support programs designed to assist crime victims in Mercer County.

"While I'd rather that circumstances did not necessitate the need for this funding in Mercer County, I strongly support the efforts of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to assist crime victims," Senator Robbins said. "This grant money helps crime victims get through the ordeal and get their lives back on track."

The money is part of $20 million in grants administered statewide by the PCCD and distributed based on a formula that averages the five most recent years of crime statistics, local penalty collections and county population.

A total of $137,822 was awarded to the Mercer County Commissioners to provide advocacy for victims of adult offenders, including crisis intervention, notification of court proceedings, court accompaniment, help with victim impact statements and assistance in filing a claim with Pennsylvania's victim compensation assistance program.

This money was generated from penalties levied against offenders in the criminal justice system under the state's Rights and Services Act, known as RASA. No tax dollars were involved.

The County Commissioners also received $59,658 to assist victims whose offenders are being prosecuted through the juvenile justice system. Known as VOJO, those state funds are earmarked in the budget each year to provide aid to victims of juvenile crime.

CONTACT:

Michael Hengst
(717) 787 1322