Rape Crisis Program

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) provides standards and approval for Rape Crisis Programs throughout the state. Currently, there are 71 DOH-approved sites in the State that provide supportive services to survivors of sexual violence.

If you have suffered sexual violence, please contact a program near you to see how they can help. If you need help with finding a program, you may also call the New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence hotline at 1-800-942-6906.

What is a Rape Crisis program?

• Rape Crisis Programs train rape crisis counselors, also known as advocates, to support victims and survivors of allforms of sexual violence.
• Advocates are available 24/7 by phone to provide crisis intervention, such as emotional support and information. They will provide in-person support at the hospital or with law enforcement whenever you need it. They are also available to provide in-person or phone counseling, education programs, and other supportive services.

Who do Rape Crisis Programs serve?

• Rape Crisis Programs provide services to anyone who may be a victim/survivor of sexual violence. You may contact a program if you had a recent incident of violence or if you need support now from a previous incident of violence.
• Services are free and confidential.
• All Rape Crisis Programs are available to anyone regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability status, or ability to pay. Some programs are developed by and for individuals in a specific cultural group to meet the needs of their community.

What is sexual violence?

• Sexual violence is any sexual act that is perpetrated against someone's will. Sexual violence can include sexual harassment, rape, sexual assault, unwanted sexual touching, threatened sexual abuse, and more.
• Sexual violence can occur at home, in public, or online using technology.
• Sexual violence is most often carried out by someone the victim knows, such as a friend, current or former intimate partner, coworker, neighbor, or family member.
• Sexual violence may affect people of all genders, sexual orientations, and ages.

How can a Rape Crisis Program help me?

• Short-term individual and/or group counseling
• 24/7 hotline for crisis intervention
• Medical and legal information, support, and referrals
• In-person support at the hospital or with law enforcement
• Other services to support healing

Where can I find a Rape Crisis Program?

The NYSDOH Rape Crisis Programs are located across New York State. To find the nearest Rape Crisis Program to you, click on your county. You may also view the full list here.

Note: this list is for individuals seeking services in their county. If you need a list of NYS Department of Health-approved Rape Crisis Programs for other purposes, please contact SVPrevention@health.ny.gov.

Information for Rape Crisis Programs

How does a community-based organization or victim assistance program apply to become a NYSDOH-certified Rape Crisis Program?

• The FAQ answers many questions about what it means to be a NYSDOH Rape Crisis Program and provides further clarifying information on the rules and requirements for programs.
• Interested programs may apply for approval to become an NYSDOH Rape Crisis Program by submitting the Application for Approval and Reapproval of Rape Crisis Programs and all supporting documentation to SVPrevention@health.ny.gov.
• The NYSDOH certification is based on a program location, known as a "site". Any organization with an approved rape crisis program that are interested in operating a new site must submit a new application for each location. These organizations may submit for recertification on one application for all of their locations.

How do existing Rape Crisis Programs apply for reapproval?

• The NYS Department of Health will notify programs at least 45 days in advance for their reapproval.
• A completed Application for Approval and Reapproval of Rape Crisis Programs with all supporting documents can be sent to SVPrevention@health.ny.gov.

What are Rape Crisis Program Confidentiality Reports?

• Approved Rape Crisis Programs are required to submit their Confidentiality Report to the NYSDOH biannually on February 15^th (July-December period) and August 15^th (January-June period).
• For the reporting time frames, all advocates, including those who are active, those who became active, and those who became inactive, should be included in the report.
• The Rape Crisis Programs Confidentiality Report is submitted as an Excel document to SVPrevention@health.ny.gov. Reminders will be sent by the NYSDOH as each reporting time nears.

Requests for Coverage of Program Hotlines by the NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline

Temporary Short-Term Coverage

On a temporary, short-term basis, domestic violence and rape crisis programs may request coverage of their local hotline through the New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline. Requests are determined based on the capacity of the hotline. This option is reserved for programs in need of emergency coverage due to exigent circumstances or a temporary disruption in services. Such short-term disruptions are distinct with a foreseeable endpoint, such as technology outages, extreme weather, public health emergencies and a short-term lapse in staff capacity. More information on the procedure can be obtained by contacting the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence.

Resources, Tools, and Guidance Documents

Learn more about healthy relationships and sexuality

• Love is Respect – Learn more about healthy relationships, personal safety, and supporting friends.
• What's ok – Ask questions about your sexuality with this free, confidential tool.
• Teen Dating Abuse Awareness and Prevention – What does a healthy relationship look like?

NYS Resources for Rape Crisis Programs

• New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault - Expert consultation, training, resource development, & policy advocacy.
• New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault - Education, research, & advocacy in New York City.

National Resources for Rape Crisis Programs

• National Sexual Violence Resource Center – Education, research, and tools for prevention and education.
• ValorUS – Training, resources, national advocacy programs and initiatives.

Tools and Guidance Documents

• Foundations of Advocacy Training Manual – Provided by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, Foundations of Advocacy offers tools to educate new advocates with core knowledge and skills for supporting survivors of sexual violence.
• Sexual Assault Advocate and Service Provider Training (SAASPT) – Provided by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Training and Technical Assistance Center

NYS Department of Health Sexual Violence Prevention Unit (SVPU) Contact Information

New York State Department of Health, Division of Family Health
Bureau of Perinatal, Reproductive, and Sexual Health
Empire State Plaza - Corning Tower, Room 821
Albany, New York 12237
(518) 474-0535
SVPrevention@health.ny.gov*

*Note: This shared mailbox is only monitored by Sexual Violence Prevention Unit staff from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and is intended for non-emergency purposes. If you are someone who has been sexually assaulted and you are seeking immediate assistance, please contact the New York State Hotline for Sexual and Domestic Violence at 1-800-942-6906. If it is an emergency, contact 911.