Troy Record: Samaritan Hospital Sexual Assault Program Expands With Troy Housing Authority Sites

Historically, the conversation about rape and sexual assault has focused on the assault itself. The aftermath of sexual assault, however, can be equally difficult for survivors to navigate.

The Sexual Assault and Crime Victims Assistance Program for Rensselaer County at Samaritan Hospital is seeking individuals interested in training to become a volunteer advocate.

CBS6 stopped by the excellent “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” community march against rape and sexual violence. The event, hosted by the Sexual Assault & Crime Victims Assistance Program for Rensselaer County at Samaritan Hospital, took place on April 25 in Troy. Here is what Lindsey Crusan, director of the program, said: “Rape and sexual assault they are the most under reported crimes, really less than 15% of people chose to report the crime to the police, so we know that there is a lot more happening then is even being reported officially to the police and law enforcement,” says Lindsey Crusan, director of the program. “We have a 24 hour crisis hotline so we’re available to people whenever they need us to answer questions give them counseling, be of assistance. But then we also have short and long term counseling and therapy support groups we provide medical and legal advocacy and accompaniment and then a big part of what we do is we try to prevent these crimes from happening in the first place,” she adds. Click […]