The Manhattan DA’s office has a new program that helps alleviate some of the trauma many people experience after being the victim of a violent crime.
District Attorney Alvin Bragg launched in January the Survivor Services Bureau (SSB), a pilot program that offers many resources victims of violent offenses might need as their criminal cases proceed. These resources include counseling, safety assessments, referrals, relocation assistance and other services, all offered in English, Spanish, Cantonese and Mandarin.
“Through this work, SSB improves public safety in Manhattan and beyond,” Bragg said. “First, it helps hold accountable those who commit crimes by supporting victims in the court process. By seeking to heal trauma experienced by crime victims, it prevents future violence and re-victimization. And, SSB builds trust with communities and boosts the legitimacy of the justice system, which encourages more people to obey the law.”
Expanding special victims resources
The SSB is an offshoot of the office’s existing Witness Aid Services Unit, which was in place prior to Bragg taking office in 2022. But that program primarily focused on survivors of domestic violence and sex assault, as well as families of homicide victims.
Now, victims of all violent crimes will have access to the bureau’s specialized services. All services offered are free and optional.
“Being a victim of a crime is traumatic,” said Beverly Gilchrist, chief of the SSB. “It is probably the worst thing that could have ever happened to a person. And having someone who is going to help you navigate the process is a game changer.”
A major highlight of the program is the newly implemented HEAT ticket system that connects a victim advocate to a case at the very beginning when it is first being drafted, almost as soon as an arrest is made.
“We now have this database management system that in the early part of writing up a case, within 24 hours of an arrest, it’s an…
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