HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHP) — Pennsylvania lawmakers approved an additional $12 million in the state budget to fund rape crisis centers this year, a move advocates said will strengthen support for survivors of sexual violence across the commonwealth.
The new spending doubles funding for rape crisis centers and marks the largest funding increase in the state’s history. Advocates with the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect, PCAR, and the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg told CBS 21 News the money will help support survivors of sexual assault and help employ rape crisis center staff who work around the clock all-year round.
PCAR called the investment a historic move for the 47 rape crisis centers serving Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. The coalition said more than 12,000 Pennsylvanians called rape crisis lines last year, and urged lawmakers in an open letter earlier this year to help meet the demand…