Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

Throughout the Commonwealth and the nation, victims’ services staff, advocates, counselors, nurses, educators, and volunteers forge a vital network of support for families, children, and individuals who are impacted by crime.  
 

From working with law enforcement, to helping hold perpetrators accountable, to educating young people on healthy relationships and crime prevention strategies, to guiding survivors on the path to recovery, victims’ services professionals and volunteers are often the unsung heroes of our criminal justice system. 
 

While crime, unfortunately, impacts every community in Pennsylvania, with more than 281,175 crimes reported in 2022 according to the Uniform Crime Report, victims’ services staff strive to represent and embody values of compassion, resilience, hope, and healing for all people.  
 

While we, as a society, continue to work to reduce crime, educate communities on crime prevention, and support survivors in seeking justice and healing, it is vital that we recognize, appreciate, and celebrate the extensive and ongoing contributions of dedicated victims’ services agencies and staff across our Commonwealth.    
 

Please join me in designating the Third Week of May 14th - 20th, 2023 as “Victims Services Staff Appreciation Week” in Pennsylvania.