Government And Agencies Working Together To Create A Model Based On Mobilizing And Coordinating All Available Assets

Kingston, NY – County Executive Mike Hein and the Ulster County Crime Victim Assistance Program hosted a panel discussion yesterday at the Fair Street Reformed Church in Kingston.  They were joined by a panel of individuals representing Law Enforcement, Mental Health, the LGBTQ Community Center, County Government, and Youth Serving Agencies.  “Let’s Talk About It! – Part 2, Enhancing Access to Care for Victims of Violence” is the second panel discussion, the first was held this past April, to identify the demographics that tended to under-report crime victimization as well as identify what some of the barriers were to obtaining necessary services.  The panel continued that discussion with the goal of developing a community-based approach to empower individuals and families so they have the information and support that they need in order to come forward when they are victims of crime.

“We have made great strides in Ulster County in our efforts to insure justice and meet the needs of victims of violent crimes with compassion and professionalism, from establishing the Family & Child Advocacy Center, providing crisis hotlines, working with Family of Woodstock’s Washbourne House, providing services through our Crime Victim Assistance Programs, Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, and the list goes on,” said County Executive Hein.  “However, with limited resources it is becoming more difficult for agencies and local government to act on their own and I want to thank our talented community members who are joining us in developing partnerships to best assist those who would not otherwise be aware of the resources available to them.  I deeply appreciate the work that the Ulster County Crime Victim Assistance Program and this community-based approach empowering individuals and families with the resources they need.  It is remarkable that Ulster County has such amazing agencies working together toward the same important goal; helping those who have been the victim of a violent crime.  I invite all agencies in our community to join in this important effort by contacting Lydia Diaz at the Ulster County Crime Victim Assistance Program.  It is critical that victims of crime know that there is support and help available to them and that they are not alone.”

“There are still members of our community who traditionally do not report a crime to the police,” said Lydia Diaz, Educator with the Ulster County Crime Victim Assistance Program.  “The reasons victims of crime do not report are varied, including fear of retaliation by the perpetrator.  We want to raise awareness of the many services and resources available to victims of crime, whether it be through Ulster County government, through local service providers, or by means of partnering with community-based organizations.  County Executive Hein realizes the importance of making sure Ulster County residents are informed and know where they can turn in the event they become a victim of crime.”

"When an Advocate is able to support a victim from the start, studies show that their chances of developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can be significantly reduced," said Madeleine Miller of the Crime Victims Assistance Program.

"We're looking to provide information to homebound seniors through the Meals on Wheels Program and I thank County Executive Hein for his ongoing support of this and our many other services," said Kelly McMullen, Director of the Office for the Aging.  

The panel included representatives from the Ulster County Crime Victim Assistance Program, Resource Center for Accessible Living, LGBTQ Community Center, Ulster County Department of Health and Mental Health, Family and Child Advocacy Center, Worker Justice Center, and the District Attorney’s Office.  Various other agencies were also in attendance to join in the discussion.

Currently, the following programs and resources are available through Ulster County:

·         The Family & Child Advocacy Center

·         Family of Woodstock’s Washbourne House

·         Crisis Hotlines

·         The Child Protective Services Unit

·         The Adult Protective Services Unit

·         The Crime Victim Assistance Program

·         The Special Victims Unit at the District Attorney’s Office

·         Kingston Domestic Violence Court

·         The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Unit at the Health Alliance’s Broadway campus

·         The Inter-Agency Domestic Violence Council

·         The Elder Abuse Task Force

The Ulster County Crime Victim Assistance Program can be reached at 845-340-3443 and the Family Domestic Violence Services hotline can be reached 24 hours-a-day at 845-338-2370.  These programs provide counseling, shelter, as well as legal and financial support for victims.  For more information regarding the Crime Victim Assistance Program please visit its website at: http://ulstercountyny.gov/probation/crime-victim-assistance.

Pictured below: County Executive Hein speaking to representatives of many of the community agencies