Fair Treatment Standards for Crime Victims
The purpose of this law is to insure fair and uniform treatment of crime victims, enhance delivery of needed services to crime victims and encourage public cooperation and support of the criminal justice process.
There are several key definitions which better explain who is eligible to receive these services. First, the victim must be the victim of a crime (misdemeanor or felony) or of Section 1192 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. Harassments and other violations are not applicable. Secondly, the crime victim must be a natural person, not a Corporation, etc., who suffers direct or threatened emotional, financial or physical harm as a result of the commission or attempted commission of a crime. If the crime is a homicide, the immediate family of the victim or guardian of a minor is also eligible for the services. Importantly, if it is reasonably believed that an individual participated in the commission of the crime, that person is not considered a crime victim and is, therefore, ineligible. Finally, a witness who is a natural person and has evidence or information concerning a crime, and who provides said evidence or information to a criminal justice agency is also entitled to the services.
Since our department has primary contact with crime victims and witnesses, we must give all possible assistance to the victims in contacting the specific person or office which provides emergency medical services and other supportive social services as may exist in the community. In accordance with the FTSCV Bill, this office has prepared a comprehensive listing of all major counseling, support and treatment programs, both public and private, offered within the community and Erie County. This list also includes various agencies which are commonly sought by crime victims.
The list has the phone numbers, addresses, services provided and hours of operation of the agencies. Copies will be located in the dispatcher's area, the booking area and back bulletin board.
The Erie County Victim/Witness Assistance Program works in conjunction with the District Attorney's Office and local police departments to insure that the crime victims program is properly implemented.
Victims and witnesses shall be routinely notified of steps open to police agencies and the District Attorney's Office to protect victims and witnesses from intimidation, tampering, physical injury or threats as a result of their cooperation in criminal prosecution. Such steps include: temporary or permanent relocation, assistance in changing employment, change of telephone number, transportation to and from court, moving assistance, judicial protection orders, protection services, arrest or prosecution for tampering with a witness, (PL215.10) and/or preventing an employer from penalizing a witness, (PL215.11).
When requested, our department shall inform the employers of crime victims or witnesses of the need for their appearance in the prosecution of the case, and it may require their absence from work. Also, if a crime victim or witness, as a direct result of a crime or because of cooperation with law enforcement is unable to meet obligations to creditors, if requested, our department will inform the creditors about the circumstances of the crime including loss or injury suffered by the victim and the amount of their cooperation.
Crime Victims Board
While monetary compensation cannot eliminate the physical and emotional suffering of the victim, it can however abate some of the financial burdens placed upon the victims and their families.
Services for Crime Victims - University:
- Anti-Rape Task Force: 829-2584, Hayes/Annex C Suite 5 (UB South Campus); 9 - 5, Mon. - Fri.
- Campus Ministers and Advisors: 645-2998, 227 Student Union; for 24 hour service see Student Handbook for outlines of all religious affiliations.
- Employee Assistance Program: 829-2144 or 829-2231, 156 Parker Hall; confidential counseling services for university employees only; 9 - 5, Mon. - Fri. Emergency recall number automatically pages.
- International Educational Services: 645-2258, 210 Talbert Hall; referrals and information for international students; 9 - 5, Mon. - Fri.
- Mental Health Services: 829-3316; 216 Michael Hall.
- Mental Health Psychiatrist: 829-3316, students only; 9 - 5, Mon. - Fri., 24 hrs for emergencies; closed semester break.
- Psychological Center: 645-3697; 168 Park Hall, 8 - 5, Mon. - Thurs.; 8:30 - 12, Fri. Phone lines manned until 8 p.m. Mon. - Thurs. Small fee. Counseling services for university community and Western New York area.
- University Police: 645-2222, Bissell Hall; 24 hrs.
- Sexuality Education Center: 829-2584, Hayes Annex Suite 5 South Campus (SBI Health Education); rape and sexual abuse counseling for victims and families, open to all; 11 - 5, Mon. - Fri.
- Student Health Insurance: 645-3036, 223 Student Union; 9 - 5, Mon. - Fri.
- Student Health Pharmacy: 829-2368, 17 Michael Hall, 9 - 4, Mon. - Fri.
- Student Health Services: 829-3316, Michael Hall, 24 hrs.
- University Counseling: 645-2720, 120 Richmond Quad., students only, any type of problem; 9 - 5, Mon. - Fri.
Services for Crime Victims: Local
- Alanon-Alateen: 856-2520, counseling for families of alcoholics.
- Alcoholics Anonymous: 853-0388
- Aging Services: 858-8526, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo - home energy program, nutrition program, protective services and transportation; 8:30 - 5 Mon. - Fri.
- Amherst Court: 689-4200, 400 John James Audubon Parkway, West Amherst; 9 - 5, Mon. - Fri.
- Amherst Police: 689-1311 or 689-1322, 500 Audubon Parkway, West Amherst, 9-5
- Attorney General (NY): 853-8400, Main Place Tower, Suite 300A (350 Main Street, Buffalo); 9 - 5 Mon. - Fri.
- Buffalo Police: 851-4403, B-District, 695 Main Street, Buffalo (NY); 24 hrs.
- Child Abuse & Protection Services: 858-6437, 478 Main Street, Buffalo; investigate child abuse and neglect, removal, and family counseling; 9 - 5 Mon. - Fri. Emergency - 1-800-342-3720.
- Child & Family Services: 842-2750, 330 Delaware Ave., Buffalo and various other locations; family relations and problems 9 - 5 Mon. - Fri. evening appointments available.
- City Mission: 854-8181, 100 East Tupper (between Delaware & Oak Street) Buffalo; food, shelter, clothing; 24 hrs.
- Compass House Resource Center: 886-1351, 1451 Main Street, Buffalo, NY; food, shelter, and crisis counseling for teenagers and runaways ages 12 - 20; 24 hrs.
- Crime Victims Assistance Program: 897-4100, 1170 Broadway, Buffalo; 9 - 5, Mon. - Fri.
- Crisis Services: 834-3131 or 834-2310, 2969 Main Street, Buffalo; general information and referrals, victims of sexual abuse program, (will go to hospital with victim), suicide hot line, emergency mental health services; 24 hrs.
- Disabled, Office of: 858-6215, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, information and referral services for disabled persons and their families, liaison between State and County programs; 8:30 - 5, Mon. - Fri.
- District Attorney's Office: 858-2424, 25 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo; 9 - 5, Mon. - Fri.
- Erie County Medical Center: 898-3000, 462 Grider Street, Buffalo, NY, 24 hrs.
- Federal Protection Agency: 551-4584 or 551-4596, 111 W. Huron Street, Buffalo; 9 - 5, Mon. - Fri.
- Franciscan Counseling: 822-8017, 1910 Seneca Street, Buffalo; boys ages 15-20, 14 hrs.
- Haven House: 884-6000, 330 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY; shelter and services for victims of domestic violence; 24 hrs.
- Home Health Services: 858-7690, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo; nursing and hospital care services; 9 - 5, Mon. - Fri.
- Immigration and Naturalization: 551-4741, 130 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY; 9 - 5, Mon. - Fri.
- Little Portion Friary: 882-5705, 1305 Main Street, Buffalo; food, temporary housing and counseling for adults: 24 hrs.
- Medicaid (County): 856-6582 or 858-8666, 25 Delaware, Buffalo; 9 - 4:30; Mon. - Fri.
- Medicare (Social Security): 1-800-638-6833, 111 West Huron, Room 1200, Buffalo; 9 - 5; Mon. - Fri.
- Mental Health Association: 886-1242, 999 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY; referrals, information and educational services; 8:30 - 4:30, Mon. - Fri.
- Parents Anonymous of Buffalo & Erie County Help Line: 892-2172, 9 Siberling Drive, Cheektowaga; counseling for families of drug users, children, spouses, etc.: 24 hrs.
- Runaways: 1-800-231-6946; toll free, counseling and advice.
- Salvation Army: 883-9800, 960 Main Street, Buffalo, NY; food, shelter for women and children in crisis situations; 24 hrs., emergencies: 884-4798
- Social Services (County): 858-8000, 158 Pearl Street, Buffalo; 8-5, Mon. - Fri.
- Social Services (State): 1-800-342-3715
- Supreme Court: 851-3291, 92 Franklin Street (main address), 77 W. Eagle, City Court Building; Buffalo; 9 - 4:30; Mon. - Fri.
- Travelers Aid: 854-8661, emergency assistance and crisis counseling for travelers in distress; 24 hrs.
- U. S. Attorney General: 551-4811, 125 Main Street, Donovan State Office Building, Buffalo; 9 - 5, Mon. - Fri.
- United Way of Buffalo & Erie County: 887-2626, 745 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY; community services and information.
- Workers Compensation Board: 842-2166, 107 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY; 9 - 5, Mon. - Fri.


