Victims Resource Center (VRC)

Our PhilosophyWe place a high value on individuality, equality, and the right of each person to be treated with dignity. We believe that everyone has the right to live free from oppression and violence. We belive that everyone has the right and responsibility to make decisions regarding her/his own life and we support a healthy environment that nurtures that ability in persons. We believe that in a society that cares for people, in ways that encourage them to be productive and caring towards others, free from interference by those wishing to coerce a particular lifestyle and free from the fear that they are in danger of having their lives violated by others.

An Advocate for Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

A Lasting Commitment…The History of Victims Resource Center

In 1974 a nationwide rape crisis movement was bringing awareness of victims’ rights to the forefront. A grassroots organization called the Luzerne County Women Organized Against Rape opened its doors and provided a 24-hour hotline, accompaniment to police interviews, hospital and court proceedings. This was the genesis of the Victims Resource Center (VRC) that today provides assistance to victims of all types of crimes.

In 1979 an office was established in Wilkes-Barre with two staff members. In 1982, the organization’s name was changed to Victims Resource Center. VRC continued to broaden its scope of services and opened additional offices in Jim Thorpe, Tunkhannock and Conyngham.

Making the Connection

Who is a victim? Can anyone use the services of VRC? What do I do if I think someone needs help? How can I help? VRC is called upon to answer questions like these on a daily basis. Providing timely and accurate information is important in meeting the needs of victims.

VRC is an advocate for victims in the community by raising awareness of victims rights, needs and services and encouraging involvement of volunteers, law enforcement, schools, parents and other social service organizations.

VRC presents community events for Victims Rights Week, Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month to educate the public about the needs in the community and the services VRC offers to meet those needs.

Educate.
Advocate.
Support.

Local Statistics

• In 2005 there were 3,586 forcible rapes reported to police in
  Pennsylvania in 2005. Since only about 1 of 3 rapes are reported to
  police, it is estimated there are over 10,000 rapes that occur each year
  in PA.
• In FY 2006-2007, In Luzerne County The Victims Resource Center provided
  services to 352 Adult Victims of sexual assault, 186 child victims and
  395 significant others of sexual assault victims.
• In Wyoming County, The Victims Resource center provided services to 55
  adult victims of sexual assault, 39 child victims and 76 significant
  others.
• In Carbon County, VRC provided services to 32 adult victims, 58 child
  victims and 82 significant others.
• In Wyoming County, VRC provided services to 265 adult victims of
  domestic violence, 20 child victims and 67 significant others.
• In all, in 2006-2007, VRC provided support services in the three
  counties it serves (Luzerne, Carbon and Wyoming) to:
  • 439 Adult Victims of sexual assault
  • 283 child victims of sexual assault
  • 553 significant others of sexual assault victims
• VRC provided 626 prevention education programs in 06-07 to an audience
  of over 14,000 people.

Our Offices

Luzerne County, 85 South Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Hotline: 570.823.0765 / Office: 570.823.0766 / Fax: 570.823.9115 /
TTY: 570.208.4920 / Toll Free: 1.866.206.9050 / E-mail: support@vrcnepa.org
www.vrcnepa.org

Carbon County, 616 North Street, 2nd Floor, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Hotline: 570-325-9641 , Toll Free: 1.866.206.9050, E-mail: support@vrcnepa.org
www.vrcnepa.org

Wyoming County, 119 Warren Street, Tunkhannock, PA 18657
Hotline: 570.836.5544, Toll Free: 1.866.206.9050, E-mail: support@vrcnepa.org
www.vrcnepa.org