What to Do If You’re in an Abusive Relationship

Westchester Medical Center’s Sexual Assault, Abuse and Victims Empowerment (SAAVE) Program is always here for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and misconduct, says Licia Sandberg, the program’s Senior Director.

“If you’re in this situation, call our crisis hotline at 833.220.2444. We’re available 24/7, 365 days a year, offering free assistance with multilingual capability.” The hotline, says Sandberg, provides advocacy and referral services and assists victims in crisis.

The WMCHealth SAAVE hotline is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week at 833.220.2444.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, SAAVE has offered a full array of support services and is able to utilize a tele-advocacy model where necessary. These services include accompaniment through forensic medical exams, safety planning, assistance with Office of Victim Services reimbursement applications, referrals for mental health, medical, legal assistance and other supportive care.

This comprehensive program provides appointments with trained advocates who offer a full range of support. “We meet victims in a trauma-informed, victim-centered manner and assist each person to determine for themselves what services they need on an individualized path to healing.” These can include assisting with obtaining an order of protection or filing a police report. “Sexual assault, domestic violence and forms of misconduct at the hands of abusers are about power and control,” notes Sandberg. “Our aim is to give the power and control back to the victim.”

Help is Just a Phone Call Away

The WMCHealth Behavioral Health Center has been a leading provider of comprehensive behavioral health services for the Hudson Valley for more than 90 years.

To help members of our Hudson Valley community facing anxiety, challenges and hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WMCHealth established a free, confidential hotline to provide support.

Staffed by licensed and accredited members of our Behavioral Health Center team, the hotline is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week at 914.216.7733. Members of the community are encouraged to utilize this service.