Assistance for Offenders
In Pennsylvania, all crime victims/survivors have rights. This includes those who have been victimized while serving time in our state correctional facilities.
OVA provides advocacy, accompaniment and assistance to any inmate who is the victim of an assault or any victimized inmate who is going through the court system.
Services include:
- Assisting with victim impact statement
- Assisting with comments to the PA Parole Board
- Accompanying to court (in-person or via video conferencing)
- Explaining the court process and what to expect
- Communicating with family
- Navigating restitution payments
- Answering questions about the Sex Offender Registration Notification Act (SORNA)
PA inmates are encouraged to send mail to:
OVA-IVAC
1101 S. Front Street, Suite 5200
Harrisburg, PA 17104
Assistance for Institution Staff
OVA's dedicated Institutional Victim Assistance Coordinator also provides advocacy and accompaniment services for any Department of Corrections staff member who is assaulted while working in a state correctional institutional or community corrections center.
Services include:
- Assisting with victim impact statements
- Assisting with comments to the PA Parole Board
- Accompanying in court (in-person or via video conferencing)
- Explaining the court process
OVA is not involved in any PREA reporting or investigating.