jennifer-storm

Pa. child abuse lawsuits held up due ‘systemic failures’ in Dept. of State, report says

BY: - May 26, 2021

In a report released Wednesday, the state Inspector General found no evidence of “intentional malfeasance” in an advertising error that delayed a Pennsylvania constitutional amendment to allow survivors of childhood sexual abuse to sue their abusers. Instead the report pointed a finger at an informal and unwritten process for tracking and overseeing constitutional amendments in […]

Wolf nominates veteran attorney Suzanne Estrella to run Office of Victim Advocate

BY: - March 16, 2021

If she wins two-thirds confirmation by the state Senate, Estrella would be the first Black woman to lead the Office of the Victim Advocate.

COMMENTARY

I’m leaving as Pa.’s victim advocate, but the work never ends | Jennifer Storm

BY: - January 29, 2021

My departure only liberates me and amplifies my voice.

Pa. Victim Advocate Jennifer Storm announces her resignation

BY: - January 22, 2021

State victim Advocate Jennifer Storm announced her resignation Friday, two months after her bid to serve a second term was shot down by the state Senate in what she deemed a political witch hunt.  Storm, who has led the state Office of the Victim Advocate since 2013, remained in her post for weeks after the […]

Pa. Senate tees up constitutional amendment opening civil window for sex abuse survivors

BY: - December 16, 2020

A senior Republican in the state Senate says she's prioritizing approval of  legislation that would amend the state constitution to open a two-year retroactive window in which survivors of sexual abuse could bring civil suits against offenders in old cases. 

‘I spoke truth to power’: Ousted Pa. Victim Advocate Storm slams Senate GOP over vote to deny her another term

BY: - November 17, 2020

Pennsylvania’s crime victim advocate castigated the top Republican in the state Senate Tuesday, saying he publicly defamed her and derailed her career after she staked out positions that put her at odds with his office.

Facing opposition on two fronts, the state Senate declines to give Victim Advocate Jennifer Storm another term

BY: - November 16, 2020

The state Senate took the rare move on Monday to block an executive nomination sent to them by Gov. Tom Wolf, as a handful of Philadelphia-area Democrats joined Republican colleagues to oust the state’s appointed advocate for crime victims.  The Republican-controlled chamber voted 32-18 to shoot down the nomination for Jennifer Storm to remain at […]

COMMENTARY

My story, my experience make me best suited to be Pa.’s victim advocate | Jennifer Storm

BY: - October 16, 2020

As a symbol of my transparency and the integrity of my office, I will address those now and remain available to respond to any questions from my colleagues across the state.

Who should speak for crime victims in Pennsylvania? The move to oust the state victim advocate, explained

BY: - September 27, 2020

A bill before the General Assembly would require the victim's advocate to have a law degree, disqualifying the woman who now holds the job.

Opponents of Marsy’s Law are suing to keep the crime victims measure off the Nov. 5 ballot

BY: - October 10, 2019

The amendment would inscribe Pennsylvania’s crime victim statutes in the state Constitution, giving victims a path to assert those rights in court. 

Wolf signs bills to ban female genital mutilation, strengthen crime victim rights

BY: - July 15, 2019

The state victim advocate called 2019 a "historic and unprecedented" year, thanks to the passage of "necessary and vital changes."

‘Well intentioned but impossible:’ Why critics say Marsy’s Law will undermine the rights of the accused

BY: - May 13, 2019

The constitutional amendment pins crime victims rights against the rights of the accused.