By Forum Staff
Nearly $6.5 million in grants have been awarded to 55 State-approved anti-sexual assault crisis and prevention programs operated by hospitals, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies across New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Thursday.
According to the administration, the grants will help fund local crisis hotlines and direct services for sexual assault victims, such as crisis counseling, advocacy and trauma therapy, and support prevention and education in schools, on college campuses and in communities.
Fifteen of the 55 programs are located in the five boroughs.
“Sexual assault is a scourge on our communities and college campuses and with this funding, we offer vital resources to victims of this heinous crime,” Cuomo said. “With this aid, these critically important organizations will be able to improve existing services, establish new programs, and better reach New Yorkers in need of help.”
According to the State, the funding also will support community education, training for advocates and sexual assault forensic examiners.
The $6.5 million awarded last week represents funding from three State agencies: a total of $2.8 million from the Office of Victim Services; $2.7 million from the Division of Criminal Justice Services; and $1 million from the Department of Health. The Division of Criminal Justice Services will administer the one-year grants. To be eligible for funding, programs were required to be approved by the State Department of Health.
On Thursday, the State also noted that in 2015 Cuomo signed into law the “Enough Is Enough” Act, which aims to put an end to sexual assault and domestic violence on college and university campuses. Among other provisions, the law provided another $4.5 million in funding for rape crisis programs across New York.
“Two years ago, Governor Cuomo enacted the toughest policy in the nation to fight sexual assault on college campuses. Today, we are focusing on prevention and advocacy, providing funding for programs at hospitals, non-profit organizations and government agencies, and getting victims the help they need to recover from this unconscionable crime,” said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. “New York has resoundingly said enough is enough and we are putting our foot down when it comes to sexual assault.”
Office of Victim Services Director Elizabeth Cronin added, “Sexual assault is a crime that leaves its victims both physically and psychologically wounded. These programs serve as pillars of support for rape and sexual assault victims as they embark on their road to recovery. By providing additional resources to these state-approved programs, our hope is that they will be able to help even more victims as they recover from their ordeal.”
Photo Courtesy of the Office of the Governor
“With this funding, we offer vital resources to victims of this heinous crime,” Gov. Cuomo said.
