Today Senator Serrano was honored for his support of the Mount Sinai Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Program (SAVI), and for his commitment to combating sexual assault and domestic violence in underserved areas.

“It is vital that survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault have advocates  and counselors available to support them through a process that is often very painful,” said Senator Serrano.

SAVI has been serving survivors of sexual and domestic violence for 25 years, and provides crisis intervention and support services to survivors. Serving extremely diverse communities ranging from Harlem, El Barrio and the Upper East Side and into the immigrant-intensive neighborhoods of Queens, SAVI assists victims in their transition to being survivors, strengthening their families and neighborhoods in the process.

“I’m happy to support a program that is addressing the issue through such a multifaceted approach- prevention and education work, counseling and crisis intervention, and advocacy and support,” said Serrano. “I salute the staff of SAVI for their tireless dedication to addressing this issue, and for providing a much-needed service to New York City residents.”