SARATOGA COUNTY, N.Y. — Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby today announced the creation of a new Survivor Support Group designed to provide continued connection, support, resources, and healing opportunities for adult survivors of crime and their families after the criminal justice process has ended. Victims of crime often receive considerable support from the time of an arrest through the conclusion of a criminal case. Prosecutors, victim advocates, service providers, mental health professionals, and others work alongside victims as they navigate what can be a difficult and overwhelming process. But when a case is over, many of the prosecutors, advocates, providers, and others who helped a victim along the way move on to the next person in need. District Attorney Eby believes that the responsibility to support survivors should not end when a case concludes.
“For survivors, the end of a criminal case is not the end of their journey,” District Attorney Eby said. “Healing continues long after a verdict, sentence, or other resolution. I believe the role of a prosecutor and our responsibility to the people we serve extends beyond the conclusion of a case. This group was created to ensure survivors continue to have a place to turn, a community to connect with, and resources to help them move forward.”
District Attorney Eby spent months working to prepare and develop the Survivor Support Group. The effort was co-founded with Jennaca Jones, a survivor of sexual assault, who helped bring together a team of mental health experts, service providers, victim advocates, prosecutors, and fellow survivors to create this important new resource for the community. The Survivor Support Group will come together multiple times each year and will offer a variety of opportunities for survivors and their families to connect, cope, and heal. On certain occasions, a qualified facilitator will lead group discussions and programming. Additional events and activities may include art therapy, interactions with trauma support animals, programs focused on coping with the holidays, and other healing and wellness opportunities.
At the heart of the program is the belief that survivors can play an important role in helping other survivors.
“No one should have to navigate the path toward healing alone,” Eby said. “There is tremendous value in connecting with others who understand the challenges that can follow a traumatic experience. Survivors helping survivors will be an important part of this group and its mission.”
To protect the integrity of criminal proceedings and ensure that the group does not interfere with the pursuit of justice, individuals with active criminal cases will not be eligible to participate at this time. The group will be open to survivors and family members who are 18 years of age or older and who have been impacted by crime.
The Survivor Support Group will also welcome local service providers who wish to offer free services and resources to survivors of crime. By bringing together survivors and professionals from across the community, the group aims to create an ongoing network of support that extends beyond the courtroom.
District Attorney Eby expressed his gratitude to the many individuals and organizations who helped make the Survivor Support Group possible, including Jennaca Jones, Jenny Pratt, Emily Williams, Ashley Kitts, Lori Favata, Amy DiRamio, Andrea Cowell, Lisa Clapper, Debbie Gallupi, Cindy Dort, Robin Fetterman, Mechanicville Area Community Services Center, Northern Rivers, and the Prevention Council.
“This effort would not have been possible without the dedication, expertise, compassion, and commitment of everyone who came together to help build it,” Eby said. “We are grateful to every survivor, advocate, provider, professional, and community partner who believes that support and healing should continue long after a case is closed.”
For more information or to learn about participating in or supporting the Survivor Support Group, contact the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office at DA@saratogacountyny.gov. Local businesses that would like to participate, contribute, or give back in support of survivors are encouraged to contact the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office.
