CARLISLE, Pa. (WHTM) – Pennsylvania’s 47 rape crisis centers have more funding than ever after an additional $12 million for them was approved in the state budget, bringing their total funding to over $24 million.
Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh were at the YWCA of Carlisle and Cumberland County on Monday to highlight how the money will help victims of sexual assault.
“The YWCA here in Carlisle serves both Cumberland and Adams County,” Dr. Arkoosh said. “Counties don’t have the funding for this. The rape crisis centers really do look to the state and national organizations for help.”
Arkoosh says 26,000 Pennsylvanians use rape crisis centers every year. 6,000 of them are children.
“Six different times, shamefully, the Senate Republican leadership has failed to act, and instead they stand up to protect the institutions that cover up the abuse and refuse to give survivors a day in court,” said Gov. Shapiro.
In a statement, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman says, “The significant funding for rape crisis centers would not have been possible without Senate Republicans pushing for support well above the Governor’s request. Instead of acknowledging our work he continues his practice of taking credit for Republican efforts and casting blame to cover his failure to unite all parties on significant issues.”
Arkoosh says funding for the rape crisis centers will be released after the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect finalizes its budget.
Thanks for signing up!
Watch for us in your inbox.
Subscribe Now
SIGN UP NOW
The 24-hour sexual assault/rape crisis services hotline is 1-888-727-2877.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.