WJCS Crime Victims Advocacy and
Support Services Program

Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) has launched a Crime Victims Advocacy and Support Services (CVASS) Program to ensure that victims of crimes are provided with mental health counseling, safe housing, and access to public benefits, 

“Being a victim of a crime can shatter one’s sense of security and safety. WJCS is here to help victims navigate the recovery process and connect them to services,” said WJCS CEO Seth Diamond. 

As a leader in providing state-of-the-art trauma treatment at the WJCS Trager Lemp Center for Treating Trauma and Promoting Resilience, WJCS is well-positioned to offer support and advocacy for crime survivors throughout Westchester county. Survivors of crime, gun violence, domestic violence, sexual abuse, child abuse, as well as those who witnessed these crimes will have access to comprehensive services that aim to help victims work toward healing. Crisis intervention services include a 24-hour hotline, information about legal rights and law enforcement procedures, assistance with navigating medical and social service systems, transportation, and accompaniment to medical examinations and criminal justice proceedings, emotional support and trauma-focused, evidence-based mental health treatment, and referrals to food, housing, legal, and medical assistance. Safety planning is also an essential part of case management.

In 2020, 2,157 cases were reported to the Domestic Violence Unit in Westchester, and 3,129 orders of protection were issued. There were 1,585 violent crimes reported, including rape, robbery, murder, and aggravated assault, and 8,721 property crimes reported, including burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. According to the most recent Westchester County District Attorney Annual Report, there were 728 child abuse cases investigated, 

Being the victim of a crime and violence is, in addition to being an emotionally-wrenching experience, an important critical public health issue. Children and adolescents exposed to violence are at risk for poor long-term behavioral and mental health outcomes, and need immediate support. 

A crime occurs every 16 minutes on average in Westchester County. WJCS, one of the largest human service organization in Westchester County, is here to help.

For more information about the WJCS Crime Victims Advocacy and Support Services Program, contact Josefa Romero at jromero@wjcs.com. For more information about the 80+ programs provided by Westchester Jewish Community Services, go to wjcs.com. To stay up to date about WJCS, follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.