PA Increases Counseling Support For Sexual Assault Victims

PENNSYLVANIA — The state is increasing its resources in response to sexual assaults around the state.

A new claims process will now cover the costs of therapy and counseling for victims of sexual abuse in Pennsylvania, Gov. Wolf's office announced this week. It's part of an effort by his administration to "remove barriers to mental health care."

“With this new process, victims of one of the most unimaginable crimes have another means of receiving the support they deserve,” Gov. Wolf said in a statement.

Victims of both childhood and adult sexual abuse are eligible.

Officials modeled this new counseling claim process after the Victims Compensation Assistance Program, which brings financial support to victims following a crime.

The difference here: victims of sexual assault are not required to have reported the assault to police in order to be eligible for the counseling.

The new law, part of Act 87 of 2019, provides up to $5,000 in counseling services for those over 18, and up to $10,000 for those under 18, according to officials.

This includes work with psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and licensed social workers.

In order to receive free counseling, the victim must complete the Sexual Assault Counseling Claim here. It's also available by calling 1-800-233-2339 or emailing ra-davesupport.@pa.gov.