Pennsylvania Crime Victim FAQ

Whether you have been a recent victim of petty larceny and theft in Pennsylvania, or your loved one has been raped, robbed, or murdered in the state, you want accurate and specific information about PA crime victim rights. Here is a partial list of FAQs.

What is the Pennsylvania Office of the Victim Advocate?

The OVA was established in 1995 by the legislature as part of a larger bill called the Victim Advocate Law. The OVA serves to advocate for the rights of victims of crimes at probation and parole hearings. It also provides notifications, referrals, assistance, intervention, and information.

What are your responsibilities as a PA crime victim to ensure that you're treated fairly according to law?

Fortunately, your legal responsibilities are minimal. If you change address or change your phone number, however, you are obligated to provide notice of said changes. Otherwise, you may not receive notices on key matters related to your case.

What are some of your rights as a victim of violent crime in Pennsylvania?

First of all, you have numerous notification rights. For instance, you must be informed about assistance available to you, the date and nature of certain court hearings and the ultimate outcome of your case. If a criminal who committed offense against you escapes from jail or custody, you must be told about it. If the police arrest someone in conjunction with your case, you must be notified about the arrest.

If property was taken away from you to use as evidence, you must get the property back when the Court no longer needs it. You may also make a statement to the judge about how the crime has impacted you -- before the judge levels his sentence.

What are some common crimes in Pennsylvania?

Crimes against property--burglary, larceny, auto theft, and other kinds of theft--are far more common than violent crimes. For instance, in 2005, there were over 214,000 incidents of larceny and theft but only 756 murders in PA. In terms of Pennsylvania violent crime statistics, you are far more likely to suffer property damage or loss than personal injury. On average, there are only around 4,000 or so instances of murder or rape a year in the state.

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