To provide a comprehensive range of services to crime victims and their families throughout the crisis and its aftermath. To encourage a community-wide system of early intervention and active response designed to reduce the harmful effects of victimization. To provide safety programs to reduce the likelihood of victimization and sensitize the community to the needs of victims. To train agency personnel and area professionals to improve their skill in responding to crime victims.

Description:
To provide a range of supportive services to victims of crime and their families on a 24-hour basis from immediately after the crime occurs through medical, police and court procedures and for as long as assistance is required to reduce the effects of victimization.

To encourage an atmosphere in the community, its agencies and the criminal justice system responsive to the needs of victims and their families.

To provide awareness and prevention programs to schools, community groups and institutions in an effort to reduce victimization, to increase reporting, and improve cooperation with the criminal justice system.

To provide educational materials and training to area professionals in order to improve confidence and expertise in their work with victims and their families.

History:
The Crime Victims' Center of Chester County, Inc. (CVC), a private non-profit community-based agency, was founded in 1973 as a sexual assault crisis center, the Rape Crisis Council of Chester County. In 1976, it expanded to serve victims of other violent crimes. From its earliest stages, there was a strong linkage with and support from other agencies that came into contact with victims. Wide-range support came from Housewives, students, professional and business persons and senior citizens throughout the county, who joined forces with the criminal justice system, hospitals, and social service agencies. The unifying goal was to develop an atmosphere that would encourage the victim of sexual assault to seek appropriate medical, psychological, and criminal justice system assistance. The dedication of mature, carefuly selected and trained volunteers working with staff has enabled CVC to provide uninterrupted aid to these victims and their families for 28 years.

Contact people:

Margaret Gusz, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Brooke Hedderick, Programs Supervisor, (phone), (email) Asha Sahijwani, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: 610-692-4959

Address:

236 West Market Street West Chester, PA 19382-2903 (See a map)

Web Site: None specified

Directions:

From Philadelphia: I-95 South to 322 West into West Chester (322 W. becomes High Street in West Chester). At the crossroad of 322 W. (High Street) and Gay Street, make a left. Follow Gay Street to New Street and. . . (more) For maps or information, please see http://www.septa.com/

Miscellaneous Information

Are court referrals welcomed?
	Yes