The Crime Victim Center of Erie County, Inc. was established in 1973 as the Erie County Rape Crisis Center, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting sexual assault victims and their families and friends. In 1986, Victim Witness Services was established for victims of other violent crimes, their families and friends, and also to serve the witnesses to violent crimes.
Our Services
Reducing crime and the impact of crime, including sexual violence, through counseling, prevention education, and advocacy.
24 Hour Hotline
A counselor from the Crime Victim Center of Erie County is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call anytime day or night!
Crisis Intervention
Crisis intervention helps to reduce a victim’s specific fears and anxieties following a sexual assault or other violent crime.
Counseling
Individual & Group Counseling is available regardless of when the crime occurred or whether it was reported to law enforcement.
Prevention Education
Through raising awareness and educating the community, the Prevention Education Department is working toward preventing crime and victimization.
Court Advocacy
We provide support and information while accompanying clients and families to court hearings, trials, and attorney interviews.
Hospital Accompaniment
We provide support and information to prepare clients for medical procedures and evidence collection.
Victim Compensation
Victims of crime may suffer financial stress that is as devastating as their physical injuries and emotional trauma.
Satellite Offices
We offer a home office in the city of Erie, that is right on the EMTA bus route and 5 satellite offices throughout Erie County to ensure that we can provide you with the help you need, where you need it.
Our offices are located in: Erie, Girard, Union City, Edinboro, Corry, and North East
Mandated Reporter Training
People who have regular contact with vulnerable people, such as children and elderly, are legally required to ensure a report is made when abuse is observed or suspected. If you need your clearances, Crime Victim Center of Erie County is now offering in-person Mandated Reporter Training.
Help Us Raise Money
Help us build a safer community – Crime does not discriminate against income levels, gender, sexual orientation nor race. Only 52% of sexual assault victims report to police and fewer seek medical care and follow up. In 2021 CVC staff help nearly 4,000 victims of crime, over 1,200 sexual assault victims of which 240 we child victims of sexual violence.
Equine Therapy for Trauma and Sexual Abuse Survivors
Equine Assisted Healing for Trauma and Sexual Abuse Survivors is making “Strides” at Hope on Horseback with clients and staff from Crime Victim Center of Erie County.
Equine Assisted Healing for Trauma and Sexual Abuse Survivors is making “Strides” at Hope on Horseback with clients and staff from Crime Victim Center of Erie County. This program has been made possible by a competitive VOCA grant through the PCCD (Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency).
Equine therapy helps traumatized clients regain confidence in their bodies and learn to relax and trust again as they work with horses. In this initial phase of the program, participants do not ride the horses.
Trauma Informed Processing Yoga
Grounding with trauma processing yoga helps our clients feel stronger and more confident in dealing with triggers.
TPYG is a 12 week psychoeducation and psychotherapy group to treat symptoms resulting from interpersonal trauma. This model incorporates guided meditation, education about mental health and services, group process (the behaviors of members of small, working groups) and yoga for a completely unique and effective healing experience.
Volunteers Needed
We are always welcoming individuals who feel passionate about the issues we advocate for. Your presence within our office or at our special events brings not only a new and unique perspective, but it also helps us to create a wider reach in achieving crime prevention.