YORK – Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill is reminding community residents that services are still available to protect victims of child abuse, domestic violence and other crimes against vulnerable populations during the state’s response to COVID-19.
Incidents of child abuse or neglect can be reported to ChildLine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-932-0313 and online at www.KeepKidsSafe.pa.gov.
“April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and during this unprecedented time when everyone is ordered to stay at home by the governor, it is imperative to ensure the safety of every Pennsylvanian, including children,” Phillips-Hill said.
Philips-Hill also noted the Buyer Beware Act takes effect on Sunday. The law, which Gov. Wolf signed in February, places significant penalties on individuals who traffic or solicit the services of trafficked victims in Pennsylvania. The measure had strong support from victims, advocates and law enforcement, including York County District Attorney Dave Sunday.
“Our goal is to thwart the demand for these victims,” she added.
Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault can receive crisis services by calling 1-888-772-7227 or visiting https://pcar.org. Victims who are unable to speak safely can also log onto https://www.thehotline.org/ or text LOVEIS to 22522.
Tips about abuse or neglect of adults with disabilities can still be reported to Adult Protective Services by calling to 1-800-490-8505.
The statewide Elder Abuse Hotline also remains open. Any person who believes that an older adult is being abused, neglected, exploited or abandoned may call 1-800-490-8505 for their report to be investigated.
Phillips-Hill supported a package of bills to protect vulnerable Pennsylvanians in 2019, including several measures to give new rights to victims of victims of rape and sexual assault.