CHAMBERSBURG, PA — As the holiday season intensifies, state officials and victim advocates are issuing a renewed call for crime victims and survivors to seek help, emphasizing that critical services remain fully available during what can be a difficult time of year.
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and Women in Need Victim Services warned that domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse can escalate during the holidays, a period often marked by heightened stress, financial pressure, increased alcohol consumption, and family conflict.
Kathy Buckley, director of PCCD’s Office of Victims’ Services, said the season’s reputation for joy can obscure the realities many survivors face. “While the holidays are often looked at as a joyful time, they can be especially difficult for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes. Many survivors face increased isolation, financial strain, and the emotional impact of trauma during this time, leaving many feeling unsafe or overwhelmed,” Buckley said. She noted that providers across the state “are ready to listen, support, and stand with you,” reminding victims that they do not have to navigate the season alone.
Research suggests that incidents of abuse can rise during periods of elevated stress, and officials emphasized that hundreds of support programs across Pennsylvania are prepared to offer counseling, emergency housing, advocacy, and crisis intervention.
Women in Need Victim Services, which has served Franklin and Fulton counties since 1977, continues to be a key regional resource. Executive Director Barbara Channing said approximately 1,500 victims seek the organization’s support each year. “We support victims with a 24-hour hotline, crisis intervention, counseling, legal advocacy, and emergency 24-hour safe housing. We also offer transitional housing and relocation services,” Channing said. She added that a partnership with the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office allows the group to assist victims of additional crimes throughout the legal process.
The Shapiro-Davis Administration recently secured a $9 million transfer in the 2025–26 state budget to bolster the state’s Victims Compensation Assistance Program, which provides financial relief for individuals who have suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result of crime. PCCD receives roughly 12,000 claims annually for expenses that can include medical care, counseling, relocation costs, lost income, funeral expenses, and crime scene cleanup.
Victims and loved ones seeking assistance can access support through a variety of national and local resources, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, local domestic violence and sexual assault programs, the Pennsylvania Office of Victim Advocate, and the PA Crime Victims website.
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