Sexual Assault Response Team
Victim Centered, Trauma-Informed
Developed in 2015, the Sexual Assault Response Team oversees a coordinated response to sexual assault between numerous community organizations. We aim to uplift survivors by implementing trauma-informed training on sexual violence, increasing awareness about victims’ rights and resources, and creating a county-wide protocol for sexual violence and rape crisis response. Family Services’ Center for Victim Safety and Support employs a Project Coordinator to oversee training and education while acting as a liaison between all partner agencies.
PROJECT COORDINATOR
Kathy Peluso
845-452-1110 ext. 3530
kpeluso@familyservicesny.org
What is Sexual Violence?
Sexual violence is any sexual act or attempt to obtain a sexual act by violence or coercion, acts to traffic a person, or acts directed against a persons sexuality without their consent, regardless of the relationship to the victim.
What to do if you've experienced sexual assault:
Connect with an advocate
Call Family Services’ 24-hour Rape Crisis hotline and an advocate will guide you through your options.
Visit a local hospital
Hospitals can provide important medical attention and/or forensic examinations:
WMC Health Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital
Poughkeepsie, NY (845.483.5000)
Northern Dutchess Hospital
Rhinebeck, NY (845.454.8500)
Nuvance Vassar Brothers Medical Center
Poughkeepsie, NY (845.454.8500)
File a report
Call 911 or visit your local police station to report. If you are age 12+, you have the right to make decisions regarding your sexual health after an assault.
If you are a college student, you may report to a staff counselor, the Title IX Coordinator, campus security, call the police, or call Family Services’ 24-Hour Rape Crisis hotline.
Important Time Frames
- Medical Exam: anytime
- HIV Meds: 72 hours from time of assault
- Forensic Evidence Collection: 96 hours from time of assault
- Emergency Contraception: 120 hours or 5 days from time of assault
- STD Medications: varies
Your Rights:
- You have the right to make decisions regarding the person who assaulted you.
- You have the right to have a Rape Crisis Advocate with you throughout the process (hospital, police station, court, hearings, etc.).
- You have the right to have a medical or forensic examination to ensure your physical health or to have evidence collected at no cost to you.
- You have the right to choose whether or not to report to the police. If you choose to report, you can authorize the release of evidence to the police or have it stored until you decide.
Family Services' Center for Victim Safety & Support
Dutchess County District Attorney
Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services
City of Poughkeepsie Police Department
Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department
Hyde Park Police Department
KB Forensics
Dutchess County Sheriffs Office
New York State Police
Nuvance Health Northern Dutchess Regional Hospital
Nuvance Health Vassar Brothers Medical Center
WMC Health Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital
Bard College
Marist University
Culinary Institute of America
Vassar College
Dutchess Community College
Funding Acknowledgment
This project is funded in part by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and Dutchess County.
