Victims Assistance Services

The mission of Victims Assistance Services is to provide free comprehensive support and clinical services to all crime victims, to provide educational activities to prevent victimization and re-victimization, and to raise the awareness of government, law enforcement, health care providers, schools, the criminal justice system throughout Westchester County about the unique needs and strengths of crime victims.

Victims Assistance Services was established in 1981 to provide free, confidential assistance to victims of crime, their families, friends and survivors throughout Westchester County. Our skilled counselors, social workers and advocates aid those who have suffered from rape, incest, homicide, domestic violence, child and elder abuse, theft and terrorism. VAS services include crisis intervention, counseling, therapeutic services, safety planning, emergency financial assistance, court preparation and accompaniment, help in the replacement of documents, assistance with funeral arrangements, assistance with filing claims to the New York State Crime Victims Compensation Board, and referrals for long term treatment. VAS offers ongoing support groups for survivors of rape, incest and homicide, provides caring expert, forensic medical exams through the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program (SANE), facilitates a 24-Hour Crisis HELPLINE, and reaches out to the community with educational crime awareness programs. All services are free of charge.