LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. — Pennsylvania’s new budget offers increased support to those who need it most.
It includes an extra $12 million for the state’s rape crisis centers.
“This has been made over the years for Sexual Assault Awareness Month,” said Emily Gragonis, executive director of the Crime Victims Council (CVC) of the Lehigh Valley.
Denim patches made by survivors.
“Specifically, Denim Day, to protest victim blaming around sexual violence,” she added.
For years, the 53-year-old center faced flat state funding, declining federal support, and growing demand.
The new state budget provides $24.1 million for the state’s 47 rape crisis centers, twice last year’s amount.
“It just restored some hope and optimism,” Gragonis said.
CVC staff and survivors recently took the need directly to lawmakers in Harrisburg.
“Seeing that work pay off and having, especially survivor voices, be heard and create impact is why we do this work,” Gragonis said of the increased funding.
“Survivors don’t always come forward in the beginning, but somebody needs to be there for when they are ready,” said Ashley Caravello.
She knows the value of those services. A survivor of sex exploitation, she’s worked for Bloom for Women, a community partner of the Crime Victim Council, for nearly a decade.
She says effective support starts at meeting survivors where they are.
“Because they don’t always know what services are available to them,” she said.
Back at CVC, Gragonis hopes increased funding will help expand services to children, including more child therapy space.
“Giving them a space to comfortably talk about it. Feeling flash cards to express emotions they are feeling,” Gragonis added.
While the center’s exact financial boost is unknown, the need for someone to be available has never been more clear.