Mission Statement

“Speak Out!” A College/Community Coalition to End Violence Against Women is a victim-centered advocacy and education program which seeks to enable and facilitate a victim’s right to make all decisions about what, if any, options to pursue following an incident of any kind of victimization.  The project is committed to empowering a victim to reassume control over his/her life and to supporting the victim’s journey to becoming a survivor.

 The Project is funded by the US Department of Justice, Office of Women. Its specific goals are:  1) to increase awareness about relationship violence, sexual assault, stalking and all forms of violence against women; 2) to provide support and advocacy services for victims of violent crimes; and 3) to hold perpetrators responsible for their behavior, both through College disciplinary proceedings and fully coordinated investigation and prosecution in the criminal courts.

The Project enjoys the benefits of important collaborating partnerships with other agencies in the Westchester County community, including:  My Sister's Place of White Plains; Victims Assistance Services of Elmsford; the Westchester County Office of Public Safety; and the Westchester County Office of the District Attorney.

What is a victim centered support system?

A victim centered support system is one that enables and facilitates a victim's rights to make decisions and determinations about what options will be pursued following victimization.  This facilitates victim empowerment.  Empowerment is essential for victims to regain a sense of power and control after a victimization during which they had no power of choice.