November 12, 2025

Consolidated Standards Training Video

Pennsylvania has long been considered a leader when it comes to the OVS Consolidated Standards, in their design to deliver quality services and programming led by skilled advocates and staff.

To better inform the field, OVS has launched a series of recordings that walk program staff through each of the standards. These are short recordings, up to thirty (30) minutes in length. Each recording counts toward OVS annual training requirements. Staff may listen to any number of recordings as they are released.

All videos can be found on PCCD's Consolidated Victim Service Program Standards webpage, with the latest video,

Training and Ongoing Professional Development, now available.

Reclaiming Control After Fleeing Domestic Violence

Can you imagine 15 minutes to pack up your entire life? The challenges persist after making the decision to leave.

Please click here to read.

Debt Bondage Repair Act Guide

The Debt Bondage Repair Act (DBRA) is designed to empower survivors of human trafficking to repair their credit. This act acknowledges the immense challenges faced by survivors and provides a pathway to remove adverse credit information resulting from their trafficking victimization.

Please click here to read.

A Gun Violence Action Plan Calls For A New Emphasis On Prevention

A new report offers a roadmap to reduce the human toll of this crisis.

Please click here to read.

Who We Believe: The Perfect Victim And The Credibility Discount

Who do we believe when someone says they've been harmed - and why?

Please click here to access.

A Blueprint For Reducing Gun Violence By 2040

The JAMA Summit on Firearm Violence convened 60 thought leaders from wide array of disciplines to discuss ideas for preventing shooting deaths and injuries.

Please click here to read.

Upcoming Trainings & Events

Centering Survivors In Gun Violence Reporting

Date: Monday, November 17, 2025

Time: 2 - 3PM

Location: Virtual

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) and the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting are hosting an educational webinar on best practices for reporting on and writing about gun violence. The webinar will offer evidence-based guidance on ethical, trauma-informed coverage that centers on survivors and impacted communities.

Although the webinar is primarily designed for media and communications professionals, those working in gun violence and victim services can gain valuable perspective on how reporting influences public perception and survivor healing. Participating can strengthen your advocacy efforts, enhance partnerships with journalists, and better equip you to guide survivors through media engagement.

Topics will include:

Gun violence in PA: stats & trends
Understanding survivor experiences
Harmful vs. helpful language & imagery
Avoiding stereotypes & sensationalism
Centering community voices
Interviewing survivors & families with care

Please click here to register.

Please click her to register.

Please click here to apply

Victims Compensation Assistance Program Online Trainings

The following trainings will be held November 18, 2025

Relocation Expenses Clinic - 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Stolen Benefit Cash Expenses Clinic - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The following trainings will be held November 25, 2025

"Wow, That's Covered by Compensation" - 9:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
Counseling Expenses Clinic - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The following trainings will be held on December 3, 2025

Transportation Expenses Clinic - 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Crime Scene Cleanup Expenses Clinic - 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The following trainings will be held December 9, 2025

Loss of Earnings Clinic - 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Stolen Benefit Cash Expenses - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The following trainings will be held December 18, 2025

Basic Compensation - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

All trainings count towards 1 hour of the required RASA/VOCA/VOJO training hours, except Basic Compensation which counts towards 2 and DAVE training which counts towards 2.

PLEASE NOTE THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURE HAS CHANGED

1) Go to pccd.webex.com

2) Click on the three horizontal lines in the top left corner

3) Select “WebEx Training”

4) Click on the “Upcoming” tab.

Please click here to register.

Employment Opportunities

Please click here for current employment opportunities.

The next OVS Newsletter will be published on November 26, 2025. If you would like any training events, fundraisers, or notable news published in this newsletter, please submit them to Lea Dorsey at ledorsey@pa.gov by November 19, 2025.