What We Do

Court Advocacy and Assistance

Our Court Advocates offer a range of services to crime victims and their families. The program is partially funded by the New York State Crime Victims Board (CVB) and provides help in recovering from victimization by offering these services:

• Crisis intervention counseling in person or via telephone;
• Advocacy with criminal justice and law enforcement agencies;
• Assistance in filing claims with the NYS Crime Victims Board, including requests for emergency awards;
• Referral to public and private sources for additional help, such as public assistance, counseling, emergency shelter.

In the past, the crime victim has often felt lost in the criminal justice process. Court advocates attempt to ease the victim's fears and confusion about these procedures by defining and explaining them, from initial reporting through police investigation, grand jury, and court appearances. Through our growing network of criminal justice and human service providers, advocates are able to reach out to victims who may not otherwise know of our services.

Often, additional support is needed by crime victims and their families. Financial assistance is available, in many cases, through the NYS Crime Victims Board. The Board can provide compensation for lost wages, medical expenditures (including counseling), loss of certain property and funeral expenses, when no other means of payment (for example, insurance) is available to them. In certain cases, CVB can also pay for stays at battered women's shelters and reimburse claimants for moving expenses incurred as the result of a crime. In certain cases, emergency funds are often available. Our advocates act as a referral source for CVB claims, helping our clients with the initial paperwork and explaining the procedures of the Board.

The Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center maintains a network of referral resources for its clients, some of whom may not be aware that the financial burden of crime victimization need not fall upon them or their families. This network can help crime victims locate many necessary services, including counseling, shelter and medical assistance, while simultaneously assisting them in filing compensation claims which may pay for these.

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