Who We Are
&
What We Do

What is a Safer bar?

Safer Bars are bars that have a higher standard for the customer's experience.

Bars and restaurants that participate in the Safer Bars program are leaders in their community.  They prioritize patron comfort and safety and understand that a good time out is one where patrons don't have to worry about experiencing harassment and violence. In fact, Safer Bars regard such behavior as unacceptable. They take responsibility for creating a bar vibe that is inclusive, welcoming, and comfortable for all patrons and they take pride in the fact that by doing so, they are committing to a higher standard of customer service and experience, and community wellness. 

Capital Region Safer Bars is a part of a larger initiative across New York State that focuses on working with bars and restaurants to end sexual aggression and violence and to promote a safe and healthy nightlife experience.  

Albany and Schenectady County have partnered together to lead this initiative in the Capital Region. By working together with bars and restaurants across the region, we intend to create a nightlife community and culture that is safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all community members by empowering bar owners, managers, and staff to recognize, intervene, and prevent sexual violence. 

For more information on Albany's Safer Bars, contact:

JoLynn Backes, MED
 (she/her)

 518-447-7100

@AlbanyC​VSVC

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 112 State Street, Room 1010, Albany, NY

  518-447-7100

102030405060708090100110120130140150160170180190200210220230240250  24hr Rape Crisis Hotline:
 518-447-7716

The Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center provides a comprehensive range of services to emotionally and physically injured crime victims in Albany County. Services are available to anyone of any age who has experienced a sexual assault or other interpersonal crime at any time in their life, or who has been affected by someone else’s assault.

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Albany County

 112 State Street, Rm 1010, Albany, NY

  518-447-7100

102030405060708090100110120130140150160170180190200210220230240250  24hr Rape Crisis Hotline:
 518-447-7716

The Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center provides a comprehensive range of services to emotionally and physically injured crime victims in Albany County. Services are available to anyone of any age who has experienced a sexual assault or other interpersonal crime at any time in their life, or who has been affected by someone else’s assault

More Information
 About CVSVC

For more information about Albany's Safer Bars contact:

Lori Walker (she/her), MSW

 518-447-7100

 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

@AlbanyC​VSVC

Schenectady County

  518-374-5353

 1040 State Street, Schenectady, NY

102030405060708090100110120130140150160170180190200210220230240250  24hr Sexual Assault Hotline:
      518-346-2266

Our mission is to empower individuals, families, and our communities impacted by crime through compassionate and confidential victim centered care. 
Victim Advocacy Services (VAS) provides free and confidential services for victims and survivors of sexual assault and sexual violence. We also provide services to friends and family affected by the sexual assault or acts of sexual violence against their loved ones. Free services are also provided for innocent victims of all other crimes. 
Victim Advocacy Services maintains a 24-hour sexual violence hotline for past and present survivors of sexual assault and violence. Staff and trained volunteers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer questions, provide crisis and supportive counseling, offer community referrals, and accompany individuals to local emergency and/or police departments. We can give you support at the hospital, police station, throughout police and court

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For more information on Schenectady Safer Bars contact: 
Casey O'Neill (she/her)
RPE Regional Coordinator

 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 518-419-0945

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