Sexual Trauma and Recovery Services (STARS), a program of AHI (Adirondack Health Institute), and the Warren Washington C.A.R.E. Center recently collaborated with the Washington County District Attorney’s office to purchase digital cameras for local police agencies in Washington County. The District Attorney’s office spearheaded this effort by surveying the equipment needs of law enforcement that spotlighted an overwhelming need for digital cameras. It is important to law enforcement to have these cameras on hand to collect evidence needed in sexual assault, domestic violence, child neglect cases, etc. As police are often the first responders, they can collect the evidence immediately, leading to a more positive prosecution outcome. The C.A.R.E. Center, the Washington County District Attorney’s office, and STARS, all have programs designed to meet the needs of victims of crime, as well as family and friends that are connected to the victim.
The Warren Washington C.A.R.E. Center is a not-for-profit child advocacy, resource, and education center located in Glens Falls. The organization serves child victims of physical and sexual abuse and their non-offending family members in both Warren and Washington Counties. The goal and mission of the C.A.R.E. Center is to reduce trauma to the victims. For more information, please visit www.wwcarecenter.org.
The Washington County Victim Assistance Program’s goal is to support and aid victims of crime as they move through the criminal justice process; to provide them with assistance, services, and resource information; to promote participation in the criminal justice system by educating victims about their rights and to advocate for the enforcement of these rights; and to coordinate with other community agencies to ensure continuity of support for victims. For more information, please visit www.co.washington.or.us/DistrictAttorney/VictimAssistance/.
Sexual Trauma and Recovery Services (STARS) provides a wide range of free and confidential services to victims of sexual assault in Washington County – past or present, children or adults, friends or family. In addition to support from Tri-County United Way, the program receives funding from the New York State Office of Victim Services. The program’s services include a 24-hour hotline – 1-800-225-7114 – crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, assistance with crime victim compensation, and professional and school-based prevention programs. For more information, please visit www.ahihealth.org/stars.
Pictured (l-r): Anthony Jordan, District Attorney, Renee Swinton, STARS Program Manager, Rebecca Evansky, Senior Crime Victim Specialist, Laura Taylor, Crime Victim Specialist, and Sara Fischer, Assistant District Attorney.
