Started in 1997, Victims Assistance Program is funded by the New York State Crime Victims Board. It provides victim survivors of domestic violence and other violent crimes with assistance in filing Crime Victims Board Compensation Claim forms with the New York State Crime Victims Board. The program also provides participants with crisis counseling, individual and group support and education, police and court advocacy, emergency cash assistance and information and referral services. The Victims Assistance Program currently serves 130 new clients annually and provides services to an average of 250 callers per year.