Schwank Applauds Victim Assistance Funding for Safe Berks

Reading, PA - September 9, 2025 - Today, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency award $1.136 million in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant funding to Safe Berks.

VOCA, established in 1984 at the federal level, created the Crime Victims Fund, which distributes fines, fees and forfeiture revenue to support state and local violence-prevention and victim-assistance programs. PCCD administers the funding, which can be used for services including medical costs for victims, counseling and initiatives to combat domestic violence.

State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) applauded the award and emphasized Safe Berks' important role in Berks County.

"Safe Berks is a critical and trusted resource in our community," Schwank said. "We absolutely need to support its mission of helping and empowering victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse. I'm very pleased that PCCD sees the value Safe Berks brings to Berks County with this substantial investment."

Other VOCA awards in the 11th Senatorial District include:

MidPenn Legal Services - $646,342

Berks County Commissioners - $131,862

CASA of Berks County - $45,183

Community Justice Project - $42,928

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