Norristown, PA - Today, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) visited Laurel House’s Safe Haven Center and Victim Services Center of Montgomery County to highlight available services for victims of crime during the holiday season.
“While the holiday season may seem like a joyous time, it can also trigger trauma, negative emotions, unsafe situations, and isolation for individuals who are victims of crime,” said PCCD Executive Director Mike Pennington. “It’s important for individuals to know that local victim service providers, like Laurel House and Victim Services Center of Montgomery County, are available across the state and are ready and willing to listen and offer support. You are not alone, and services remain available, even during the holidays.”
Research shows that violence and abuse rates can go up during times of tension and stress, including during the holidays. Stressors such as increased alcohol consumption, financial strain, societal expectations, and more time spent indoors can exacerbate domestic violence or abuse which is already taking place. According to data from the National Crime Victimization Survey, other crimes can also increase during the holiday season, including robbery and theft. It’s important that individuals who are experiencing violence or other crimes know there are hundreds of programs throughout Pennsylvania which can provide support, resources, advocacy, and assistance if you or someone you know is struggling.
Laurel House’s mission is dedicated to ending domestic violence in each life, home, and community. Laurel House is a comprehensive domestic violence agency serving individuals, families, and communities throughout Montgomery County.
“The staff and Board members of Laurel House are grateful for the community support that helps make it possible for us to meet the needs of people impacted by domestic abuse and violence throughout Montgomery County,” said Beth Sturman, Executive Director of Laurel House. “If you, or a loved one, are in an unsafe relationship, we are here to help. Our services are free and confidential, and we are always happy to talk with you about your situation and to let you know about the resources that are available.”
In 2022-23, Laurel House supported 4,908 victims of domestic violence through its emergency shelter, a 24-hour hotline and textline, transitional housing, children's program, individual and group counseling, medical advocacy, legal representation and advocacy, crisis response, law enforcement collaboration, and trained more than 8,000 students, medical personnel and police officers through their community education and prevention efforts.
Victim Services Center of Montgomery County is a comprehensive victim services agency which provides no-cost services for people impacted by crime and their loved ones. Since 1974, the Victim Services Center has provided 24/7 crisis counseling, accompaniment, counseling, education, support groups, victim advocacy, and victim compensation support to more than 2500 individuals annually. Additionally, in FY 22-23 using prevention and education funding from the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR), the center provided 553 education programs to more than 8,300 participants.
“The Victim Services Center is a vital safety net to the residents of Montgomery County. We empower survivors to regain control of their lives,” said Mary Onama, Executive Director of Victim Services Center of Montgomery County.
In addition to local victim service providers, a variety of resources are available for victims of crime or their family members/loved ones in Pennsylvania:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Local Domestic Violence Programs
- Pennsylvania Victim’s Compensation Assistance Program
- Local Sexual Assault Centers
- Pennsylvania Office of Victim Advocate
To learn more about PCCD’s work to help victims of crime, visit our website.
MEDIA CONTACT: Ali Gantz - algantz@pa.gov
# # #