Domestic Violence Resources
Rep. Danielle Friel Otten April 2, 2020 | 3:53 PM
While we continue to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the state and county outlets to report child abuse, elder abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and rape continue to serve our communities. The following are resources available for you to report abuse or suspected abuse:
Domestic Violence Center of Chester County: The DVCCC provides intervention, education, outreach, advocacy, and programs to prevent, reduce, and remedy domestic violence in Chester County. All services are free and confidential. To learn more or to report domestic violence, call their 24-hour, free hotline 888-711-6270 or 610-431-1430
Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County: The CVC provides free, immediate, and confidential crisis response and compassionate support to children and adults impacted by crime and violence. They can provide assistance through counseling, advocacy, resources, and education. To learn more contact 610-692-1926. To report a sexual assault, contact their 24-hour hotline at 610-692-7273. To report other crimes, contact their 24-hour hotline at 610-692-7420.
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence: The PCADV is a statewide collaborative membership organization committed to ending intimate partner violence and all forms of violence against women. Together, the local programs and statewide coalition work to deliver services, support, and systems to help victims and survivors find safety, obtain justice, and build lives free of abuse. To report domestic violence contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or find the nearest local domestic violence program.
ChildLine: ChildLine is a Pennsylvania Department of Human Services program to report child abuse and general child well-being concerns. Anyone wishing to report a case, should contact the ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313. ChildLine supervisors are continuously monitoring calls and assuring proper response and assignment to county agencies for all incoming reports. Mandated reporters are encouraged to use the self-service portal on the Keep Kids Safe website, to avoid long hotline wait times.
Adult Protective Services: The APS Law was enacted to protect adults between the ages of 18 and 59 with a physical or mental disability. The APS Law establishes a program of protective services in order to detect, prevent, reduce and eliminate abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment of these adults in need. A report can be made on behalf of the adult whether they live in their home or in a care facility such as a nursing facility, group home, hospital, etc. Reporters can remain anonymous and have legal protection from retaliation, discrimination, and civil and criminal prosecution. The statewide Protective Services Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-490-8505.
Older Adult Protective Services: Under the Older Adult Protective Services Act, the Chester County Department of Aging is mandated to receive and investigate reports of suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment of incapacitated Chester County residents aged 60 and older and to provide activities, resources and supports to detect, prevent, reduce, and eliminate these conditions. Reports are taken 24 hours a day. Reporter information is kept confidential- voluntary reports can be anonymous. Basic demographic information and nature of abuse is needed at time of report. In Chester County, call 1-800-564-7000 or the Statewide Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-490-8505
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape: The PCAR works to end sexual violence and advocates for the rights and needs of all sexual assault victims. PCAR partners with a network of rape crisis programs to bring help, hope, and healing around issues of sexual violence to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. If you are a victim of sexual assault and need immediate assistance, please contact our toll free hotline at 1-888-772-7227 or find your local rape crisis center. For general inquiries or requests for assistance, call 1-800-692-7445 or 717-728-9740.
As always, to report an emergency contact 911.