24 Hour Sexual Assault Hotline:
(518) 447-7716

Who We Are

The Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center began in 1974 as AWARE, Albany Women Against Rape. In 1975, the agency became a department of Albany County and was renamed Albany County Rape Crisis Center. The goal of the agency was to provide crisis counseling to rape victims over a 24 hour hotline, and to provide advocacy and support for victims in area emergency rooms and police stations. In addition, efforts were made to publicize the frequency and effect of rape through public presentations. A small staff and many volunteers provided coverage for the hotline.

Over the years, the agency grew as the demand for services increased. In 1989, the Center received a grant from the New York State Crime Victims Board to provide advocacy services for victims of violent crime in Albany County. The Comprehensive Crime Victims Assistance Program was housed down the hall from the Rape Crisis Center, and shared personnel and resources.

In 2001, the agency formally changed its name to the Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center, to better reflect the full population of crime victims receiving services. These services have not changed, only the name has.

All services are offered free of charge.