A range of free assistance is provided through the Sexual Assault, Abuse and Victims Empowerment Program (SAAVE) at Westchester Medical Center.
Crisis Intervention
Sexual Assault, Abuse and Victims Empowerment Program (SAAVE) Advocates are always available to listen and offer information to equip those in need with resources to make informed choices about his/her/their health and safety.
Safety Planning
Advocates help victims create personalized, practical plans to prepare to act if in danger.
Short- and Long-Term Counseling
Referrals for customized counseling and mental-health assistance help victims work through psychological, physical and emotional effects of their situation -- and regain power and control over his/her/their lives.
Medical Accompaniment and Referrals
Advocates are available to meet victims for medical appointments at hospitals, clinics and private physicians’ offices to provide emotional support and assist as victims identify, understand and respond to his/her/their health needs.
Legal Accompaniment and Referrals
Advocacy and information are provided to help victims navigate the legal system. Advocates are available to offer emotional support and accompany victims to police departments, appointments with law enforcement, attorneys and court appearances.
Westchester County’s Domestic Violence High Risk Team
Westchester Medical Center’s SAAVE Team staffs Westchester County’s Domestic Violence High Risk 24/7 hotline for Law Enforcement. When Law Enforcement respond to domestic violence calls and, utilizing a screening tool, a victim screens in at “high danger,” our advocates provide crisis intervention, safety planning and access to domestic violence service providers for all victims.
Support and Empowerment Groups
Referrals to support groups are available. These safe, compassionate environments facilitate healing and help victims regain power and control over their lives.
Accompaniment to Westchester Medical Center’s Forensic Acute-Care Team
FACT is a group of highly skilled, compassionate nurses and physicians available 24/7 to offer medical and/or forensic care. The team collects forensic evidence for patients after recent sexual assault or abuse. Advocates are available to accompany victims through this exam process and offer comprehensive supportive services and care.
The Sexual Assault, Abuse and Victims Empowerment Program
Free, confidential.
Hotline in English and Spanish:
833.220.2444
24 hours a day, seven days a week
Crime Victims’ Compensation
Advocates will assist victims who may be eligible to receive compensation for loss after victimization through the New York State Office of Victim Services for costs related to lost wages, counseling, medical bills and loss of essential personal property.
Information and Referrals
Advocates connect those in need with supportive programs and social services. These may include shelters and public-benefit programs provided through the Sexual Assault, Abuse and Victims Empowerment Program’s numerous community partners.
The Sexual Assault, Abuse and Victims Empowerment Program
Free, confidential.
Hotline in English and Spanish:
833.220.2444
24 hours a day, seven days a week