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 rape victims in one of three area emergency rooms (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 rape victims who are examined in the emergency room will qualify to have the forensic exam portion of their emergency room bill paid by the NYS Crime Victims Board (CVB). Other services on their emergency bill will be covered by CVB if they have no medical insurance or medicaid. A counselor will assist the victim in completing the CVB application. In addition, Center staff can file an emergency claim with CVB if the victim cannot afford the cost of the HIV prophylaxis medication.

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