Ulster County To Expand Groundbreaking Bystanders Against Sexual Assault Program To City of Kingston
Kingston, NY - Ulster County Executive Mike Hein proclaimed the week of April 8th Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Ulster County to raise awareness about the rights of victims and highlight the many services and resources available throughout the County. In honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Ulster County is expanding its Bystanders Against Sexual Assault (UCBASA) initiative to the City of Kingston in late-April. UCBASA provides bystander training for bar staff and aims to prevent sexual assaults before they occur. The Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program launched UCBASA in New Paltz earlier this year and has so far trained 43 staff at 5 bars. Establishments that complete the training receive a certificate.
Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a national campaign led by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) that promotes victims’ rights, and honors crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme is “Expand The Circle: Reach All Victims” which emphasizes the importance of inclusion in victim services by ensuring that every crime victim has access to services and support and how professionals, organizations and communities can work in tandem to reach all victims.
Michael P. Hein, County Executive
“It is important for anyone who has been the victim of a crime to know that they are not alone in the recovery process,” said County Executive Mike Hein. “Ulster County is dedicated to ensuring victims of crime have access to the services and supports to help them heal. The Ulster County Crime Victims’ Assistance Program is committed to helping connect victims with the services they need, whether it is helping navigate the judicial system, creating a support system, or recovering from a potentially life-altering incident. The Crime Victims Assistance Program, District Attorney’s office and many local organizations work tirelessly to help victims of crime by providing support and hope to victims and their families during an emotionally trying time.”
Holley Carnright, Ulster County District Attorney
"We are fortunate in Ulster County to have many services available for victims of crime and their families. The prosecution of an individual charged with a crime is only one facet of the justice system and all too often victims feel alone and helpless,” said Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright. “I appreciate the Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program and County Executive Hein for highlighting Crime Victims’ Rights Week. It is so important that people know there is help and support readily available at any time.”
Nancy Schmidt, Interim Director, Department of Probation
“Ulster County Probation and Crime Victims Assistance Program is pleased that Ulster County Executive Mike Hein has extended the invitation to Mayor Noble and Police Chief Tinti to expand the Ulster County BASA program to the City of Kingston,” said Nancy Schmidt Interim Director of Ulster County Probation. We will be launching this program in late-April as an extension of National Crime Victim's Rights Week and to highlight Sexual Assault Awareness month.”
Calendar of Events for Crime Victims’ Rights Week:
April 9th:
Trauma Informed Yoga at Fair Street Reformed Church Every Monday from April 9th-May 21st 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. (209 Fair st., Kingston)
STOP DWI Wreath Laying at the DWI Victims Memorial in remembrance of the victims of DWI 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. (244 Fair Street, Kingston)
April 10th:
Tabling: Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program at SUNY New Paltz 9:00 – 12:00 p.m. (SUNY New Paltz Student Union Building, 1st Floor, 1 Hawk Dr., New Paltz)
April 12th:
Tabling: Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program at SUNY Ulster in the cafeteria SUNY Ulster 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (491 Cottekill Rd., Stone Ridge)
April 13th:
Tabling: The Men’s Beauty Pageant Presented By Hudson Valley BRAWL 7:00 p.m. (408 Main St., Rosendale)
Details and updates regarding the activities can also be viewed by visiting the following Facebook page: www.facebook.com/uccvap.
Some of the free services available to victims of crime in Ulster County include a 24-hour hotline; crisis counseling; advocacy, accompaniment and support with hospitals, law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney's office; criminal justice information; referrals to appropriate outside agencies; and assistance in preparing Victim Impact Statements. In addition, the Ulster County Crime Victims’ Assistance Program is the New York State Department of Health certified rape crisis program in Ulster County. This allows for confidential services to victims of sexual assault including accompaniment and advocacy to hospitals as well as support groups. The CVAP Hotline is available 24-hours a day at 845-340-3442 and additional information can be found at http://ulstercountyny.gov/probation/crime-victim-assistance.
Attachment: Proclamation
