Victims Assistance Center (VAC) has been serving Northern New York since 1979. They began as a grassroots movement to assist women impacted by domestic violence. Over the years, VAC gained certifications as a Rape Crisis/Sexual Assault Center and a full domestic violence program, launching the Immediate Response Team in 1999, enabling joint response with law enforcement to incidents of violence. The Team provides crisis intervention and advocacy at the time of the incident.

Established in 2006, the Child Advocacy Program of Northern New York by VAC introduced a model that facilitates a unified point of contact for Child Protective Services, law enforcement, and medical professionals to conduct interviews with children facing sexual and/or physical abuse. In 2016, the agency’s Child Advocacy Center extended its services to include Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties.

In its 40 years, VAC has broadened its services to men, women, and children whose lives are impacted by child abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and other forms of violence. This includes extending their reach through satellite offices to serve key rural areas.

Their Mission

To assist and provide services through advocacy, education, and emotional support to all survivors of violence and crime in our community. They work towards their mission through many services including an emergency safe shelter, specialized trauma therapy, forensic interviewing, medical exams, and more.

Their Vision

To create and foster a safe, caring community working together to bring hope, inspire change, and empower individuals to move beyond their circumstances. All their no-cost programs are dedicated to realizing their vision of a community free of violence and crime.