AVP offers free and confidential support to victims of bias crimes, domestic violence, pick-up crimes, police misconduct, HIV-related violence, rape, and sexual assault. Individual and group counseling is available at AVP, while a bilingual (English/Spanish) crisis hotline offers 24-hour assistance from counselors and trained volunteers. In addition, AVP provides accompaniments and advocacy for our clients with the police, the courts, medical, and social service agencies.
AVP works to change public attitudes that lead to violence against or within LGTBH communities. Violence is any act or situation where a person or a group harms others, denies them the right to be who they are, or hurts their quality of life. Violence can be direct (for example, assault and harassment), or indirect (through discrimination)- but any kind of violence can lead to feelings of helplessness or oppression.
AVP documents crimes and participates in community activism. We work with law enforcement and social service agencies to make sure they provide appropriate services for LGTBH residents. We educate social service providers, law enforcement officials, and members of the LGTBH communities.
AVP's hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our professional counselors and trained volunteers offer emotional and practical support to victims of violence. Support is available in both English and Spanish. All calls are confidential, and callers can remain anonymous.
The AVP hotline: (212) 714-1141
Bias crimes-ranging from harassment to assault to murder- are committed against people because of who they are or how they are perceived by the "perpetrator." Bias crimes against LGTBH people are growing increasingly violent and have recently become front-page news.
AVP offers help to victims of bias crimes. Our hotline provides crisis counseling around the clock, while staff members offer intensive short-term counseling. In addition, staff and trained volunteers may accompany victims to the police station to help file a complaint, to make sure that police document the assault as a bias crime when appropriate, and to help file claims for emergency benefits from the NYS Crime Victims Board.
If you have been a victim of a bias attack, call The AVP hotline: (212) 714-1141
Read more about BIAS CRIMES and the Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual Community.
Domestic violence is as serious and complex a problem in LGTBH communities as it for heterosexuals. Victims of domestic violence suffer from a range of physical and emotional abuse, including physical violence as well as intimidation, isolation, threats, sexual abuse, and loss of control over financial resources.
AVP is the only agency in New York City that provides services specifically for LGTBH victims of domestic violence. We provide counseling, advocacy, and legal assistance to hundreds of survivors of domestic violence every year. We help people create safety plans and document the violence committed against them. In addition, AVP offers support groups for domestic violence victims, assists in obtaining orders of protection, and helps locate shelters and emergency housing options.
If you are in an abusive or controlling relationship or are unsure, call The AVP hotline: (212) 714-1141
Read more - DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Information for Lesbian, Transgender and Bisexual Women
Read more - DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Information for Gay, Transgender and Bisexual Men
Pick-up crimes are one of the least discussed crimes committed against LGTBH communities. A pick-up crime occurs when the victim meets someone ("picks them up") and then a crime is committed against the victim at the pick-up scene or at a more private location. The range of crimes committed includes humiliation, assault, sexual assault, robbery, and homicide. Victims of pick-up crimes often suffer needlessly from shame and guilt because they feel responsible for being hurt since they "picked up" their perpetrator. Being victimized in this very personal way is never the victim's fault.
AVP helps victims of pick-up crimes through advocacy, counseling, and assistance with police reporting (if the victim chooses to do so). Through reports received by victims, AVP has been able to identify serial perpetrators of these crimes and notify the community.
If you have been the victim of a pick-up crime, call The AVP hotline: (212) 714-1141.
Most rape crisis centers are geared to serve heterosexual women, and so men and women from the LGTBH communities who are raped or sexually assaulted often have nowhere to go for help, leaving many to suffer in silence.
AVP is the only organization in New York State that provides counseling specifically for lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, and HIV-positive survivors of sexual assault. We serve callers on our 24-hour bilingual hotline as well as those sent to us by other agencies. We train rape crisis service providers in how to provide help following a sexual assault and, through our connections with other agencies, we offer self-defense classes and other services to assist survivors in their recovery.
If you have been sexually assaulted, call The AVP hotline: (212) 714-1141.
Read more - SEXUAL ASSUALT: Information for Lesbian, Transgender and Bisexual Women
Read more - SEXUAL ASSUALT: Information for Gay, Transgender and Bisexual Men
HIV-related violence is violence motivated by the perception that the victim has HIV or AIDS. It includes discrimination, verbal harassment, bias assault, domestic violence, and abuse or neglect by service providers. In addition, HIV-related violence extends to cases where HIV status becomes a complicating factor during or after the crime. For a person who is already facing the challenges of HIV/AIDS, recovering from violence can be especially difficult.
AVP provides counseling, advocacy, and legal assistance to hundreds of survivors of HIV-related violence every year. We also conduct trainings about the needs of victims of violence who are living with HIV/AIDS.
If you are HIV-positive and have been a victim of violence, call The AVP hotline: (212) 714-1141.
Read more - HIV-RELATED VIOLENCE
Police misconduct is a major concern in our community. It includes verbal and physical abuse by the police, refusal to assist LGTBH crime victims, unequal application of the law against the LGTBH communities, and police policies that hurt the community.
AVP works to bridge the gap between the NYPD and LGTBH New Yorkers. We provide counseling, advocacy, and legal services to victims of police misconduct. We organize the community to respond to incidents of police misconduct and educate them about their rights. In addition, we train the police on how to work with LGTBH crime victims. Through our seat on the Mayor's Lesbian and Gay Police Council, AVP recommends changes to police policies to prevent abuse and promote better understanding between the NYPD and LGTBH residents of the city.
If you have been a victim of police misconduct, call The AVP hotline: (212) 714-1141.
AVP provides legal advice, advocacy, and referrals to victims of violence. We advise victims on issues such as how to obtain and enforce orders of protection, fight employment discrimination, and stop abusive landlords or neighbors. We advocate on behalf of victims with the NYPD and District Attorney's offices. We also train members of the criminal justice system on how to best serve LGTBH victims of violence.
If you have experienced violence and have legal questions, call The AVP hotline: (212) 714-1141.
AVP organizes the community to respond to acts of violence occurring within our neighborhoods and around the city. If a bias crime is committed and police response is slow or absent, AVP raises its voice to demand a thorough investigation. We call on the police to pursue cases until they are solved. We organize the community to speak out against prejudice and bigotry, insisting on equal rights for the LGTBH communities.
AVP wants to raise awareness of the realities of violence against and within the lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, and HIV-affected communities. A major part of our work is training the police, law enforcement officials, rape crisis centers, domestic violence agencies, hospitals, and community centers about the needs of LGTBH victims of violence.
If your agency is interested in requesting a presentation or training on any of these issues, please contact the Training Manager at 212-714-1184.
