Providing Leadership on Public Policy

PCADV has been instrumental in the enactment, implementation and enforcement of strong and sweeping policies and laws that increase safety for victims and their children, impose criminal sanctions on batterers and create funding sources for domestic violence programs and services.

• Recently Enacted Legislation
• Current Policy Agenda
• Legislative Priorities
• Policy Position Papers
• Policy & Legislative Milestones

Children of Battered Parents

Every risk, every injury and every disruption that domestic violence victims endure is one that their children experience as well. PCADV is seeking policy reform to protect the best interests of children and their abused parents in custody and protective services matters. PCADV also is helping build the capacity of local programs to offer services to teens experiencing violence in their homes or in their dating relationships.

Access to Housing

Without access to safe and affordable housing, many domestic violence victims are forced to remain in abusive relationships or face poverty and homelessness. PCADV is pursuing options and resources to secure emergency, transitional and permanent housing for victims. Additionally, PCADV is monitoring and crafting public policy that protects the privacy of victims and thwarts discriminatory practices.

Homicide Prevention

In response to Pennsylvanias alarming rate of domestic violence related fatalities, PCADV is undertaking a statewide fatality review initiative in partnership with top-level state policy leaders that will create, document and implement policies, practices and procedures to increase domestic violence investigation, intervention and prevention efforts.