CARLISLE, PA — Pennsylvania will double state funding for its 47 rape crisis centers under the 2026-27 budget, a move state officials say is intended to strengthen services for sexual assault survivors as demand continues to strain providers across the Commonwealth.
Gov. Josh Shapiro and Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh visited YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County on Monday to highlight the budget’s $12 million increase for rape crisis centers, raising annual state funding to $24.17 million — the largest increase in Pennsylvania history. Since taking office, the Shapiro administration has directed more than $60 million to the centers.
The additional funding is designed to preserve services including crisis counseling, legal advocacy, medical accompaniment and support for survivors navigating the criminal justice system. State officials said the increased investment responds to longstanding concerns from providers about maintaining staffing levels and meeting growing community needs.
“Earlier this year, I visited the Pittsburgh Action Against Rape center and heard firsthand about how hard it is to provide essential services to support victims of rape and sexual assault on a tight budget,” Shapiro said. “As we worked to negotiate this new budget, I knew we had to deliver for them.”
The funding increase is part of a broader package of behavioral health investments included in the state budget. Lawmakers approved $10 million in first-time dedicated state funding for Pennsylvania’s 988 suicide and crisis hotline, $5 million to sustain walk-in crisis stabilization centers, and $658,000 to expand ChildLine staffing and training. The administration said the initiatives are intended to improve crisis response and strengthen the state’s behavioral health infrastructure.
Shapiro was joined in Carlisle by Arkoosh, YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County Chief Executive Officer Maddie Young, board member Andrea Greene, community leaders, advocates and survivors. The governor also ceremonially signed the General Appropriations Bill during the visit.
YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County is one of the rape crisis centers affiliated with the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect. The organization reported serving approximately 1,100 people over the past year, including roughly 825 through in-person services and 275 through its crisis hotline. Its programs include medical, legal and law enforcement advocacy, individual and group counseling, emergency housing assistance and prevention education.
Young indicated the funding will help stabilize services after providers faced staffing shortages.
“This increased funding will allow us to continue providing advocates, supplies, shelter, and basic needs to victims and families going through a rape crisis,” she said.
Greene, a survivor and YWCA board member, noted that the additional state funding will expand outreach, education, and direct support for victims across Pennsylvania.
“The $12 million in funding is critical,” Greene stated, adding that it will help rape crisis centers continue answering calls for assistance and supporting survivors statewide.
The investment builds on several initiatives the Shapiro administration has undertaken since 2023, including funding for campus sexual violence prevention programs, implementation of a statewide sexual assault evidence tracking system and continued support for the Victims Compensation Assistance Program, which has distributed more than $18 million to crime victims during the administration.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.