Lancaster PA Domestic Violence Services - Community Action Program (CAP) of Lancaster County, PA

Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster County

If you are a victim of domestic violence, help is a phone call away!

24 Hour Hotline: 717-299-1249 - Collect Calls Accepted

National Domestic Violence Hot Line:

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
TTY 1-800-787-3224

Overview

Welcome to the Domestic Violence Services (DVS) web page.

Founded in 1976 as a component of the Community Action Program of Lancaster County, Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster County (DVS) provides assistance each year to approximately 1,700 victims of domestic violence and their dependent children.

DVS is the only agency in Lancaster County providing comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence. Services include: 24-hour Hotline, Emergency Shelter, Group and Individual Domestic Violence Education/Peer Counseling, Legal Advocacy, and Transitional Housing. All services are free* and confidential.

DVS is a partner agency of the United Way of Lancaster County, and a member of the Pennsylvania and National Coalitions Against Domestic Violence. DVS also serves as an advocate to educate the local community about the issue of domestic violence.

DVS is committed to serving all victims of domestic violence. Facilities are disabled accessible.

* The Bridge Housing Program fee is 30% of a participant's adjusted net income less a utility allowance.

Emergency Shelter
Temporary emergency housing is provided to victims of domestic violence and their children. Normally, domestic violence victims may receive up to 30 days of housing through Domestic Violence Services. Contact the 24 hour telephone hotline at 299.1249.
Individual and Group Counseling
The counseling component focuses on presenting alternatives, establishing goals, developing self esteem, and personal growth. Support groups provide domestic violence victims with the opportunity to share their experiences and feelings with other victims in similar circumstances. Contact Domestic Violence Services if you would like assistance with forming a support group in your area of Lancaster County.
Children's Activities
Special attention is given to children residing at Domestic Violence Services in order to break the cycle of violence. Educational and recreational activities are organized for children. Suggestions are also provided to improve parent-child relationships.
Education and Outreach
DVS staff works with the community at large to educate the public about the issue of domestic violence. To set up a program, contact Cathy Sofilka at 299.9677, ext. 3105.
Domestic Violence Legal Clinic
The legal clinic helps domestic violence victims utilize the full protection afforded them by the court system. This includes providing them with information regarding Protection from Abuse Orders and assisting them with filing the necessary paperwork to access this protection, court accompaniment and legal consultation. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, please call 291.5826.
Bridge Housing
The Bridge Housing project provides up to 12 months of transitional housing and supportive services for as many as 10 domestic violence victims and their children. For more information, call 717.394.4930.
Volunteer Opportunities
Domestic Violence Services offers many volunteer opportunities, along with an extensive 45 hour volunteer training program. Call Cathy Sofilka at 717.299.9677, ext. 3105 if you are interested in volunteering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I access services?
A: If you or someone you know is being abused please call the 24-hour hot line at 717.299.1249.

Q: What is domestic violence?
A: Domestic violence is an ongoing pattern of behaviors in a relationship used to gain and/or maintain power and control over another. These behaviors are often described as emotional, psychological, sexual or physical abuse.¹

Q: What is a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order?
A: A PFA is an order that seeks to protect you and your children from your abuser. It is a civil order that you file on your own behalf against a family or household member who is abusing you.

Q: How do I go about securing a PFA?
A: You can file a Protection from Abuse Petition with an attorney, with an advocate's assistance or through the Bail Administration Office. You may wish to see an attorney or other persons knowledgeable about abuse to discuss whether a protection order is what you need or want. Contact the following offices for information:

Domestic Violence Legal Clinic - The legal clinic helps victims utilize the full protection afforded by the court system by providing them with information about Protection from Abuse Orders and assistance in filing the necessary paperwork to access this protection. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. at

35 East Orange Street, 2nd Floor
Lancaster, PA 17602
P: 717.291.5826

Lawyers Referral Services
28 E. Orange St.
Lancaster, PA 17602
P: 717.393.0737

Bail Administration
50 North Duke Street, 2nd Floor
Lancaster, PA 17602
P: 717.295.3584

Q: Do I need to live in Lancaster County to receive services?
A: No. Service is available to Lancaster County residents and other PA residents alike. Contact the 24-Hour hotline at 717.299.1249 for confidential and immediate assistance. Collect calls are accepted.

Q: Does DVS serve men?
A: Yes, the shelter serves male victims of domestic violence. No one, regardless of sex, nationality, sexual orientation, race, or religious affiliation, is refused assistance.

Forms

Contact Information

Domestic Violence Services

Domestic Violence Legal Clinic
35 East Orange Street, Suite 200
Lancaster, PA 17602
P: 717.291.5826
F: 717.290.6855