The following is an extended version of the story that appears in our latest print edition.

Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban, First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella and other NYPD executives, together with advocacy group, NYC Alliance Against Sexual Assault, announced on Jan. 10 that going forward, all police department facilities open to the public will display “Sexual Violence Survivor Resource Guide” wall posters depicting a quick-response code (QR code) that links to a host of free online services. These include helplines, family and child welfare services, physical and mental healthcare, financial support, legal options and more.

 

NYPD officials said members of The Alliance compiled the 52-page resource guide and worked with NYPD Special Victims Division leadership to determine the most efficient, effective, and safe way of quickly connecting those in need with services and additional, confidential help. They said the QR code can be scanned by any cellphone camera and is also available on smaller resource cards that can be distributed by hand.

 

In the context of the announcement, Kinsella said, “Today, we renew the vows of the NYPD’s commitment to survivors of sexual assault.” Adding that while progress had been made over the years, she said, “We acknowledge that our journey to this point has not been met without hurdles.”

 

Police officials said the resource guide wall posters and business cards are available in all NYPD precincts, transit districts, and police service areas throughout the five boroughs, and can be viewed and downloaded at The Alliance’s website: www.svfreenyc.org. They said the guide can also be printed by NYPD staff for those in need of internet access.

 

For his part, Caban said, “All survivors of these heinous crimes deserve the best support and guidance that we can provide.” He added, “This new tool safely delivers a compendium of information that is immensely useful to anyone who has experienced, or is still experiencing, these horrors. I thank and commend our SVD investigators and our partners at the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault for their tireless dedication on behalf of all New Yorkers, particularly the brave survivors of sexual violence.”

 

Meanwhile, Emily Miles, executive director of The Alliance, said, “We want all New Yorkers to know: If you or someone you know experiences any form of sexual violence – from sexual assault, child sexual abuse, cyber sexual violence, or sexual harassment – there is support for you.“

 

She added, “At The Alliance, we work with programs across the city that offer free, confidential support services, and we want to make it easier for you to find them. Our Sexual Violence Survivor Resource Guide is a digital resource that will help you navigate listings of medical, legal, mental health, and other services. We are excited to partner with the NYPD to bring our guide to more New Yorkers.”

 

The Alliance was founded in 1999 by rape crisis centers to advocate for the needs of survivors and the organizations that serve them. It works to prevent sexual violence and reduce the harm it causes through education, prevention programming, advocacy, and the pursuit of legal and policy changes. It does not provide direct services. If you are a survivor of sexual violence and need access to services and support, please call Safe Horizon’s 24-hour help line at 212-227-3000 for immediate assistance, or contact the NYPD Special Victims Division’s 24-hour hotline at 212-267-RAPE (7273).