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​Key Initiatives

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The Office of Victim Advocate (OVA) is the state agency with the duty and authority to advocate for the individual and collective rights of victims of crime. We help crime survivors navigate through criminal justice systems and find pathways to hope and healing. Trauma informed victim services, crime prevention, and restorative justice initiatives are the primary avenues we utilize to accomplish our mission.  

As such, OVA works diligently on key initiatives that impact crime victims/survivors in Pennsylvania. Some initiatives involve reshaping our state services to provide the best level of trauma informed care, while some require legislative action to change, modify or reform our laws and require bringing local and state partners together.




Child Sexual Exploitation

In collaboration with Mission Kids Children's Advocacy Center and the Villanova Law Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation, OVA launched a statewide campaign focused on the sexual exploitation of children. Access materials and learn more by visiting the PCCD clearinghouse on human trafficking

If you suspect someone has been a victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text "HELP" to 233733. Access county-specific resources here.