The NYPD, in collaboration with advocates for sexual assault survivors, introduced a comprehensive 54-page online resource guide that aims to provide crucial information about available services for victims of sex crimes across New York City’s five boroughs.
Within the guide, users can find referrals for physical and mental healthcare, financial support, legal services, cyber-abuse resources, housing aid, and various other support services. Each entry summarizes the assistance offered by different groups, providing contact information and hours of operation. The guide will undergo regular updates to ensure its relevance, according to both police and advocates.
To enhance accessibility, the NYPD has initiated the distribution of flyers containing a QR code linked to the resource guide at every precinct, public housing district, and transit district citywide.
Emily Miles, the executive director of the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault, emphasized the challenge survivors face in locating the numerous available free services in the city. She expressed optimism about the guide, stating, “We are making it just a little bit easier for survivors to access these critical supports, allowing them to begin the process necessary for them to truly heal.”
The NYPD’s Special Victims Division has faced criticism for its handling of sexual violence cases in the past. A 2018 Department of Investigation report revealed long-standing understaffing and underfunding issues, leading to cases being overlooked. The investigators also noted that inexperienced and overworked detectives often re-traumatized survivors. The Department of Justice initiated an investigation into the unit in 2022, which is ongoing. A survivor who prompted this investigation accused the NYPD of mishandling her reported rape in a lawsuit filed under the Adult Survivors Act last year.
During the press conference on Wednesday, NYPD officials emphasized their commitment to supporting survivors. They highlighted recent improvements, including the addition of over 30 investigators to the Special Victims Division, bringing staffing levels to the highest in years. Deputy Chief Carlos Ortiz, who has led the unit since 2022, emphasized a “survivor-centric approach” and highlighted the strong collaboration between the Special Victims Division and advocates.
