The Bronx has finally got a new lifeline for victims of sexual violence. A massive care gap is now filled by the borough’s inaugural hospital-based rape crisis program, which NYC Health + Hospitals North Central has just launched. For years, survivors here had to wait too long or travel too far for help, while Manhattan boasted six similar programs. This new center changes that by putting compassionate, confidential support right inside the emergency room where it’s needed most.
“Survivors of sexual violence deserve compassionate, confidential support at every step of their journey toward healing and recovery,” Mastromano said, according to amNewYork. The program isn’t just about a quick chat; it offers free individual and group counseling plus in-person accompaniment during medical and forensic exams. Survivors also get help working through the complex medical, legal, and prosecutorial systems that often overwhelm them.
Why The Bronx Needed This Now
The timing couldn’t be more urgent. A 2025 data brief issued by the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence indicated that the Bronx had the highest population-adjusted rates of rapes and sex crimes. Despite these staggering numbers, the borough previously had just one rape crisis program. While Manhattan has six hospital-based programs, the Bronx was left behind until now. Kingsbridge Heights Community Center stands as the sole alternative, yet it has also encountered major reductions in federal funding allocated via the state Office of Victim Services.
The need extends beyond the ER doors. Ernest Lalongo, a history professor at Hostos Community College, sees the fallout daily. He has been a professor for 18 years and works with students facing domestic violence at least once a semester. “The education, at many times just stops when these folks are fleeing their homes,” Lalongo said, according to amNewYork. He notes that some students are trapped in unsafe homes, desperately trying to keep up with work while their environment is simply not safe. This new program offers a critical resource for those trying to get back on their feet.
Voices From The Front Lines
Tobie Buford, a Rape Crisis Counselor involved with the new initiative, knows the job demands round-the-clock readiness. “When I am on call, I might hear from the emergency department at 2 a.m., 3 a.m., or 4 a.m. in the morning to come in,” Buford said. The role is about restoring power to those who had it taken away. “I help the survivor by being there for the exam, filling out forms, and offering moral support … Being there to help someone go through the process is very important,” Buford explained. “For me, it’s about helping people who lost control during that time, and helping them gain their control back, their self-respect back.”
The hospital plans to expand its volunteer advocate pool immediately. In January, 40-hour training sessions will ready community members for this role, enabling the training of as many as 60 individuals annually. This expansion is vital because domestic violence goes beyond visible signs. “I think one has to raise awareness consistently,” Lalongo said.
A Step Toward Real Safety
This launch is a rare win for public health in the Bronx. For too long, the borough has carried the highest domestic violence and homicide rates in New York City. The old system forced survivors to fight their battles alone or travel across boroughs. Now, they have a dedicated team ready to meet them where they are. The program connects survivors with trained professionals who can handle the medical, emotional, and social challenges that follow an experience of sexual violence.
As the program rolls out, the focus remains on consistency and access. The goal is to ensure that no one in the Bronx has to get through these terrifying systems without a hand to hold. With the Bronx District Attorney’s office previously operating the only state-accredited center within a DA’s office until rules changed, this hospital-based model fills a critical void.
This is opinion and commentary from the RapForMayor team.
