Sexual Assault Services

Services for Survivors

NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx has a specially trained Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) approved by the New York State Department of Health in its emergency room. Survivors of any type of sexual violence receive care within one hour of their arrival.

The SART staff members at our Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Center of Excellence have gone through intensive training and are approved by the New York State Department of Health. Their tasks include:

Providing necessary care to prevent sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy
Provide any needed medical care for injuries
Properly identifying, collecting and storing forensic evidence
Accurately documenting injuries
Attending to the significant emotional needs of rape victims

Forensic examiners perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and medical history. This process ensures your health and safety and collects evidence of the crime. Mental health professionals help you recover from the physical and emotional trauma of sexual assault. The evidence collected will be stored for up to 20 years. Collecting evidence does not mean you have to report the crime to the police. It means that any forensic evidence will be collected and stored to give you an option to report now or at any point within those 20 years.

Medical care at NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx is available 24 hours a day, and our SAFE team is available at any hour for assistance.

NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx provides high-quality health care to all New Yorkers, regardless of their ability to pay. We’ll also help you find health insurance if you need it. Click here to learn more about MetroPlusHealth, our affordable and comprehensive health insurance plan.

Become an Advocate

As a New York State-designated Rape Crisis Program, NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx trains community members to become volunteer rape crisis counselors, also known as advocates. Our advocates provide compassionate support to survivors of sexual violence receiving care at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi and North Central Bronx.

The 40-hour training combines in-person and virtual instruction to equip volunteers with the knowledge and skills to provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and information about available resources to survivors of sexual violence. Through presentations, group discussions, and interactive activities, participants learn how to provide compassionate, trauma-informed support while respecting survivors’ needs and choices.

Some of the topics covered include:

Understanding sexual violence and its impact on survivors
Crisis intervention techniques and trauma-informed care
Medical and Forensic Examination procedures
The criminal justice system and relevant laws
Working with diverse populations
Available medical, legal, and community resources

Volunteer Requirements

No prior advocacy experience is required. Individuals interested in becoming volunteer rape crisis advocates must:

Be at least 21 years old
Commit to a minimum of 18 months of volunteer service
Be available for three scheduled on-call shifts per month, including evening and overnight coverage
Be able to arrive at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi or North Central Bronx within approximately 30 minutes by taxi when activated

During scheduled on-call shifts, volunteers remain available from home and report to the hospital when contacted. Weekday evening and overnight availability is especially needed.

Upcoming Training

The next 40-hour Volunteer Rape Crisis Advocate Training is anticipated for January 2027. Training will include in-person weekend sessions and virtual evening sessions.

How to Express Interest

Interested in becoming a volunteer rape crisis advocate? Click here to complete our brief interest form to receive information about upcoming training opportunities and the application process.