Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul was in Poughkeepsie today announcing Governor Cuomo's new $6.5 million grant program to support agencies that assist sexual assault victims, enhance prevention and supporting advocacy efforts.

Family Services Inc. of Poughkeepsie, Ulster County Probation and Mental Health Association of Orange County are among three of the 55 program providers across NY with programs approved by the NYS Department of Health that will be receiving money from the one year grant.

Hochul, an advocate of programs that address sexual assault said, "two years ago Governor Cuomo enacted the toughest policy in the nation to fight sexual assault on college campuses. Today we are focusing on prevention and advocacy, providing funding for programs at hospitals, non-profit organizations and government agencies and getting victims the help they need to recover from this unconscionable crime."

Funding for the grant comes from three State agencies; NYS Office of Victim Services, Division of Criminal Justice Services and the State Department of Health. Funding these programs help sexual assault victims that are both "physically and psychologically wounded" according to Elizabeth Cronin, Director of the NYS Office of Victim Services.

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