Harrisburg, PA. — Today, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) unveiled a new feature on its mobile app for crime victims which will allow for the direct filing of victim’s compensation claims with PCCD’s Office of Victims Services (OVS).  The announcement coincided with OVS’s Legislative Outreach day with the General Assembly.

“Since its launch in March 2017, our crime victim’s app has been downloaded by hundreds of victims and their advocates throughout the Commonwealth,” PCCD Chairman Charles Ramsey said. “Adding the ability to file a victim’s compensation claim on the app increases our service outreach, allowing PCCD to reach more victims and ensure that applying for benefits is easier than ever.”

The mobile app currently allows victims of crime to search for local victim service providers and services within their area or region. Victims of crime are also able to access local advocates who can assist them in obtaining legal and medical services, compensation assistance and to access information regarding their rights and protections as a victim of crime.

The expanded feature allows victims to file new claims with the Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP).  Previously, the app only allowed for victims to check the status of their filed claims.  The new feature allows victims to submit their information directly to VCAP via their mobile devices in a process that is quicker and easier than the current paper applications and online web-based forms.

VCAP helps victims and their families through the emotional and physical aftermath of a crime by easing the financial impact placed upon them. Victims of crime may be eligible to receive financial help for a variety of expenses related to their victimization such as medical and counseling expenses, loss of earnings, funeral expenses, crime scene cleanup, and other crime related expenses.

The app was created, in part, through a collaborative effort by the Governor’s Office of Transformation, Innovation, Management and Efficiency (GO-TIME). Students from Harrisburg Area Community College were initially involved in the design and build of the original app, which was then further enhanced and deployed by PCCD.  The direct filing feature was created by PCCD.

In 2016/17, state agencies achieved over $217 million in savings while also improving efficiency and customer service. To learn more, please visit the GO-TIME website. 

The mobile application is available for both iPhone and Android users starting today through the App Store and Google Play Store under the name “PA Crime Victims.”  It can also be downloaded off of PCCD’s website. 

Our Mission is to enhance the quality, coordination and planning within the criminal and juvenile justice systems, to facilitate the delivery of services to victims of crime, and to increase the safety of our communities.

MEDIA CONTACT: Kirsten Kenyon, (717) 265-8505.