NORTHWEST VICTIM SERVICES (NVS)

NVS provides the following free services in Northwest Philadelphia:

• Crisis support to crime victims, their families and significant others.
• After Hours Assistance 267-808-0350.
  
• Information about criminal justice/ police procedures and the progress of a case.
• Advocacy for victims of crime with  the district attorney’s office, police and/ or probation departments.
• Referrals to help victims meet immediate emergency needs through  other community agencies.
• Accompaniment to criminal justice hearings and trials.
• Assistance to eligible victims in completing and filing  victims compensation claims.
• Speakers on NVS services and crime prevention for community, church and other groups.

NVS cannot:

• Guarantee prosecution or conviction in the criminal justice system.
• Guarantee approval of compensation claims.
• Provide legal representation or consultation.

To receive any of these services, please contact NVS at 215.438.4410.

PA Victim's Rights

As a victim you have rights,  some of these rights are listed below:

You have the right to be told…

• about basic services available to you in your county.
• about certain court events, including
  information on bail, escape of offender and/ or release of an offender.
• about the details of the final disposition of a case.

You have the right to receive…

• notice of the arrest of the offender.
• information about restitution and assistance with compensation.
• accompaniment to all criminal proceedings by a family member, a victim advocate or a support person.

You have the right to provide input…

• into sentencing decisions.
• into post sentencing decisions.

You have the right to receive assistance with…

• filing a claim for victims compensation.
• submitting a  restitution claim.
• preparing a victim impact statement.

For a complete list of your rights as a crime victim in Pennsylvania, please visit www.pacrimevictims.com
or call NVS at 215.438.4410.





Victims Compensation Assistance Program
VCAP

NVS advocates provides assistance through the compensation process including helping to determine eligibility and  assisting with the application process. You can call NVS at 215.438.4410 to set up an appointment or approach an NVS advocate in Courtroom 803 on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday. 

VCAP provides compensation for:
Medical Expenses
Loss of Wages
Funeral Expenses
Loss of Cash Benefits
Relocation Expenses

Eligibility Requirements:

• Crime must be reported to the proper authorities within 72 hours.
• In most cases, claims must be filed within two-years from the date of the crime.
• VCAP is the payer of last resort,  the victim/claimant must utilize all other sources that could pay for expenses related to the crime before compensation can be
  considered.
• VCAP does not cover property loss or pain and suffering resulting from the crime.
• If your primary source of income comes from the following benefits: social security, pension/retirement, disability, or court-ordered child/spousal support, and money was stolen from you in a crime, you may be eligible for reimbursement of up to one month of that benefit.

 Additional information is also available at  www.pacrimevictims.com.