HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) will sponsor the fifth annual Pathways for Victim Services Conference at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel in State College, Centre County, Nov. 19-21, .

"The Pathways Conference is an excellent opportunity for victim-service providers and allied professionals to share new ideas and best practices," said PCCD chairman Jim Eisenhower. "By sponsoring this conference, PCCD helps to ensure that crime victims in our Commonwealth continue to receive the best quality of service available."

The conference will feature more than 60 workshops on topics including senior abuse, diversity issues, future trends, Internet safety and crime, restorative justice, sexual assault and domestic violence. In addition, the Governor's Victims Service Pathfinder Awards will be presented on Thursday, Nov. 20, .

Speakers will include Trisha Meili, survivor of a brutal attack and author of the book, "I Am the Central Park Jogger;" Michael C. Turpen, Esq., vice president of the National Organization for Victim Assistance; and Nicole and Robert Hewitt of Chambersburg, who provide victim-service training with an emphasis on issues involving diversity.

PCCD is the commonwealth's lead agency for criminal justice policy issues. During the fiscal year, PCCD distributed more than $140 million in state and federal funding to programs that are proven to prevent crime and strengthen communities. PCCD also provides essential support services to law enforcement agencies and offers financial assistance to victims of crime.

Source: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency