Reposting Press Release from Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PITTSBURGH, PA — Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) strongly denounce the absence of increased funding for Pennsylvania rape crisis centers in Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2026–27 budget address today, calling it a direct contradiction to public claims of supporting survivors of sexual violence.
If enacted, the Governor’s proposal would mark the sixth consecutive year of flat funding for rape crisis centers across Pennsylvania, despite rising costs, increased demand for services, and clear evidence that the system is strained beyond its limits.
“We will not allow the Commonwealth to say it supports survivors while continuing to underfund the very services survivors rely on,” said Sadie Sterner Restivo, Executive Director. “Support is not a statement; it is an investment. And today’s budget fails that test.”
PAAR provides free, confidential services to survivors of sexual violence in Allegheny County, including a 24/7 helpline, hospital accompaniment, counseling, legal advocacy, and prevention education. These services are mandated by state contract and delivered alongside rape crisis centers in all 67 counties, yet funding has remained stagnant since 2021.
Across Pennsylvania last year, rape crisis centers:
- Assisted more than 17,000 victims through 24/7 helpline services
- Provided over 119,000 hours of counseling and support
- Delivered prevention education to hundreds of thousands of students
- Reached tens of thousands of community members through outreach
Despite these outcomes, the requested $12.5 million increase, a restoration and stabilization, not an expansion, was not included.
“This did not happen because advocates failed,” Sterner Restivo said. “Survivors spoke. Staff spoke. Supporters showed up. The data was clear. The need was undeniable. If this funding is not included, it is because the Commonwealth chose not to act.”
PAAR warned that continued flat funding will result in staffing shortages, longer waitlists for counseling, reduced crisis response capacity, and increased burnout among a highly trained workforce, consequences that directly impact survivors seeking help.
“When funding does not match the reality of the work, survivors pay the price,” Sterner Restivo said. “Pennsylvania cannot claim leadership on sexual violence while allowing its response system to erode.”
PAAR emphasized that advocacy efforts will continue.
“We will continue to hold the Commonwealth accountable,” Sterner Restivo said. “Survivors deserve more than words. They deserve a system that is funded, functional, and worthy of their trust.”
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Media Contact: Sadie Sterner Restivo Executive Director Pittsburgh Action Against Rape sadier@paar.net 724-825-8264- cell paar.net
