For over fifty years, CV has provided effective and quality services to hundreds of thousands of victims of all crimes including: domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, child sexual assault and physical abuse, elder abuse, homicide, assaults, burglary and incidents of mass violence.
Each year, CV provides direct services to over 15,000 clients in various programs and prevention education and training programs to over 35,000 individuals. In addition, CV reaches 100,000 individuals through outreach and awareness activities across Allegheny County every year. CV’s staff provides critical crime victim support that meets the diverse needs of all people regardless of age, race, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability or socioeconomic status.
CV is a one-stop-shop with one message, one number to call, and one door for people to walk through to get the best combination of services to meet their needs. CV’s trauma informed care is evident in all aspects of service delivery, incorporating an understanding of the prevalence and impacts of trauma and the multifaceted and individualized paths to healing. CV ensures that any and all victims in need of services can easily and readily access quality, seamless, and comprehensive services that allows for reduced confusion for victims in their time of trauma. CV is focused on effectiveness and avoiding duplication of services. CV works to ensure sustainability for the organization and creating a consistent and improved quality of service for clients.
In addition to the organization’s primary offices, CV maintains satellite offices at each of the following locations: City of Pittsburgh Police and Allegheny County Police Investigative Units, Allegheny County Criminal and Juvenile Courts and Juvenile Probation and sustains a weekly presence in several local Magisterial District Judges’ offices. CV also has co-located a child advocate within the Child Advocacy Center of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in conjunction with our Canine Advocates to intervene with child victims of sexual and physical abuse and their families.
These remote placements enable the organization to react as quickly as possible when a victim or community needs immediate assistance. Services are delivered in courthouses, hospitals, homes, schools, residential programs, businesses, community centers, senior centers and many other locations in the Allegheny County community.
CV provides immediate access to its experienced and trained professionals through its 24-Hour Hotline 1-866-644-2882 (toll-free). Caring, professional staff is available to respond to emergency needs of crime victims and witnesses, answer questions, and provide crisis counseling and support. The hotline, which serves as a gateway to all services, can be utilized by anyone, including victims, witnesses, and their families or friends, law enforcement, hospitals, social workers, or mental health professionals. Our highly trained staff assist callers with identifying their needs and connects them with appropriate resources. In addition, professional staff provides in-person crisis response to hospitals, police departments, and communities in all of Allegheny County.
Awards and Accomplishments:
- South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace - Youth Violence Prevention Award 2024
- Juvenile Court Judges Commission (JCJC) Statewide Allegheny County Victim Advocate of the Year - Presented to CV Staff Member Haley Warner - 2024
- Juvenile Court Judges Commission (JCJC) Statewide Allegheny County Victim Advocate of the Year - Presented to CV Staff Member Mary Jovanavich 2022
- Pittsburgh Business Times 2020 CFO of the Year Award Amy Cortes
- JCJC Victim Advocate of the Year Award- Presented to CV Staff Member
- 2020 JCJC Victim Advocate of the Year Award- Presented to CV Staff Member-2016
- Outstanding Television Public Service Announcement 2015 - MEN Challenge PSA 36th Annual Telly Awards 2015 - Silver Award - MEN Challenge PSA
- UPMC Dignity & Respect Champion 2013 - Laurie MacDonald, President and CEO
- Greater Pittsburgh Athena Award Finalist 2010 - Laurie MacDonald
- NAACP of McKeesport, Community Organizer Award - Laurie MacDonald
- Recognized by State of PA with four Governor's Victim Services Pathfinder Awards Tracey Provident, Vice President and CPO for Outstanding Agency
- Professional Capacity Building Efforts, Leadership, and Survivor Activism (CVVC)
- Good Government Award 2008
- Alfred J. Wishart Award Finalist; Laurie MacDonald
- Numerous proclamations from City Council and Allegheny Council.
