What We Do

Support for Sexual Assault Victims

The Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center offers information and confidential counseling to victims of sexual assault, and to their families and friends.

NYS Department of Health certified staff and volunteers operate a 24-hour crisis hotline for sexual assault victims, including recent and former victims of child sexual abuse. Brief, goal-oriented treatment is available to child and adult crime victims recovering from the trauma of their assault.

In addition, staff and volunteers can meet with sexual assault victims in any of the three Albany County emergency departments (Albany Medical Center, St. Peter's Hospital or Albany Memorial Hospital) to provide information and support as the victim is examined. Medical evidence will be collected as part of the forensic examination, and medications to prevent pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) will be explained and offered.

All sexual assault victims who are examined in the emergency room will qualify to have the forensic exam portion of their emergency room charges paid by the NYS Office of Victim Services (OVS). Other services on their emergency bill may be covered by OVS if a victim does not have medical insurance or Medicaid. A counselor will assist the victim in completing and submitting the OVS application. In addition, Center staff can file an emergency claim with OVS if the victim cannot afford the cost of the HIV prophylaxis medication.

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