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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Reducing Gun Violence

    Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Initiative

    ​In June 2023, PCCD’s Chair Lt. Governor Austin Davis directed PCCD's Victims' Services Advisory Committee (VSAC) to undertake a new statewide Resources for Victims of Gun Violence initiative. 

    View the Directive
    View August 2024 Interim Report

    Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Initiative

    The goal of this initiative is to identify existing resources and address gaps to better support survivors, families, and caregivers in Pennsylvania affected by gun violence.  The program is modeled on proposed federal legislation by Casey and Evans, the Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act, which would establish an interagency Advisory Council at the federal level to help all victims of gun violence – from survivors to their loved ones, coworkers, and classmates – identify and access the resources available to them to help meet a wide range of personal needs.

    Work of the Initative

    PCCD's Victims Services Advisory Committee (VSAC) and PCCD were directed to accomplish the following deliverables.

    Survey victims of gun violence and victim assistance professionals.

    Conduct a literature review and assess past or ongoing programs designed to assist victims of gun violence or individuals with similar needs to determine effectiveness.

    Identify best and promising practices for assisting victims of gun violence.

    Assess the administration of compensation funds (provided through PCCD’s Victim’s Compensation Assistance Program/VCAP) to determine best and promising practices to direct gun violence victims to sources of funding.

    Gun Violence Resiliency Needs Assessment

    PCCD and ICF conducted a needs assessment from Fall 2024 – Spring 2025 to better understand resources available to support Pennsylvania residents who have experienced or been exposed to gun violence. The assessment included an online survey and focus groups with individuals who have experienced gun violence and a variety of services and programs in each region of the state. Findings are being used to:

    1. Identify gaps in services and determine how to fill those gaps​,
    2. Develop strategies to meet the needs of both individuals who have experienced gun violence and entities that provide assistance, 
    3. Increase resources for communities impacted by gun violence, and 
    4. Pilot a Resiliency Center model in Pennsylvania. Resiliency Centers offer assistance with a variety of options from food, clothing, and housing to legal services, therapeutic support, and victim compensation for​ people impacted by gun violence. ​

    The goal is to have equitable resources across communities and make it easier for individuals to access the services they need in response to gun violence.