Woman consulting crime victim

Crime Victims Assistance Program

Are you the victim of a crime?

Sometimes it’s clear you have been victimimized. Perhaps the police are involved, and the perpetrator has been arrested.

Sometimes it isn’t so clear. We can help you understand your rights.

In collaboration with Equinox, The Sexual Assault and Crime Victims Assistance Program (SACVAP), and The YWCA of Northeastern New York, The Legal Project’s Crime Victims Legal Assistance Program provides civil legal services to victims/survivors of crime in Albany, Schenectady, and Rensselaer Counties, as well as college students attending school in the Capital Region. This program offers legal advice and representation for issues related to your experience.

When Should You Speak with an Attorney?

At no cost to you, Crime Victim attorneys can answer your legal questions to help you understand the civil legal process and your rights as a crime victim/survivor. They can also offer representation in certain areas if that is what you decide to do. Staff can also provide victims/survivors of crime information on completing a New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS) Victims’ Compensation Application.

How Can an Attorney Help You?

An attorney can listen to your concerns and help you figure out how to proceed based on your goals. Crime victim attorneys can:

  • Help you understand how the law applies to your situation and help you make an informed plan;
  • Help you understand what your rights are as a crime victim/survivor;
  • Advocate on your behalf to receive the support and safety you need;
  • Represent you in court and/or out of court to accomplish your goals.

For more information about the Crime Victims Legal Assistance Program, or to set up a no-cost confidential legal consultation, please call us at 518-435-1770 or email the Crime Victims Program Coordinator at cvlap@legalproject.org. If you or a loved one are incarcerated in a local jail and would like assistance, please write to us at: The Legal Project, 24 Aviation Road, Suite 101, Albany, NY 12205, Attn: Crime Victims Program Coordinator

Community Resources

Although we can provide basic safety planning, the Crime Victims Legal Assistance Program does not provide crisis services to victims/survivors. If you need to talk to someone immediately regarding surviving a crime, please see below for local hotline numbers and resources.

Community Partners

  • Albany County Equinox, Inc. (518) 432-7865* · Equinox, Inc. serves adolescents and adults struggling with chemical dependency; victims/survivors of domestic violence and their children; adolescents and adults and their families who are living with mental illness; and at-risk homeless youth. Equinox, Inc. provides compassionate treatment, services, advocacy and support at 10 different locations, including residential facilities, throughout Albany County.
  • Rensselaer County Sexual Assault and Crime Victims Assistance Program (SACVAP) (518) 271-3257. The Sexual Assault and Crime Victims Assistance Program is dedicated to creating a supportive, caring environment for victims/survivors and their families to enhance the healing process. The Sexual Assault and Crime Victims Assistance Program provides no cost and confidential services including, but not limited to: short-term counseling; long-term therapy; support groups; medical advocacy; criminal justice system advocacy; and assistance completing crime victim compensation application. In addition to direct services, the Sexual Assault and Crime Victims Assistance Program offers a variety of prevention education services throughout the Capital Region community.
  • Schenectady County YWCA of Northeastern New York (518) 374-3386 YWCA of Northeastern New York is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. YWCA of Northeastern New York provides comprehensive domestic violence support services; safe and affordable housing for low-income and homeless women; high-quality accredited Early Learning education; economic empowerment solutions; and health & wellness classes inclusive of all community members.

Other Community Resources/Referrals

  • Albany County: Albany County Crime Victims & Sexual Violence Center – (518) 447-7716*
    In Our Own Voices (518) 432-4341
  • Rensselaer County: Unity House – (518) 272-2370*
  • Schenectady County: Victim Advocacy Services of Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson – (518) 346-2266*

*Hotline available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week

Jail Resources

  • Just Detention International (JDI) JDI is a health and human rights organization that seeks to end sexual abuse in all forms of detention. If you or someone you know has been sexually abused while in detention, you can call 213-384-1400 x110 or write to:Cynthia Totten, Esq.CA Attorney Reg. #199266, 3325 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 340, Los Angeles, CA 90010
  • Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York If you or a loved one are incarcerated in a NYS prison and are facing issues related to confinement, you can contact Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York at 518-445-6050 or write to: Prisoners’ Legal Services of NY, 41 State Street, Suite M112, Albany, NY 12207. Services include: direct civil legal services, assistance with immigration issues, guard brutality, visitation issues, disciplinary hearings, and more.

New York State Resources

  • NY Crime Victims Legal Network an online resource that provides victims/survivors of crime information about rights, and connects individuals with legal help on issues related to housing, family, employment, finances, and more.
  • NYS Domestic Violence 24-Hour Hotline (English, Español, Multi-Language Accessibility): 1-800-942-6906
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24-Hours): 1-800-273-8255 · NYS Domestic Violence Program Directory Find Your Local Rape Crisis Program

This product was supported by grant number 2016-VA-GX-0069, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this product are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.