For over a year, survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Nassau County faced an unthinkable reality: the abrupt loss of their only dedicated crisis center. That critical safety net was officially restored on Friday, April 24.
The Crime Victims Center opened the doors to its new facility at 575 Underhill Boulevard in Syosset, marking a monumental turning point for the county. The ribbon-cutting ceremony effectively ends a dangerous gap in trauma-informed care left by the sudden closure of The Safe Center Long Island in March 2025.
When Nassau’s sole rape crisis and domestic violence service provider went dark last spring, local officials scrambled to find a qualified agency capable of managing the complex, urgent needs of survivors. CVC, operating successfully in Suffolk County for nearly three decades under the banner of Parents for Megan’s Law, answered the call.
Leveraging its established protocols and decades of specialized expertise, the agency rapidly mobilized cross-county coordination, staffing plans, and hotline integration to ensure continuity of care for victims during a highly vulnerable transition period.
This aggressive and necessary regional expansion was buoyed by significant federal investment. U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer, who helped secure over $500,000 for the project, emphasized the absolute necessity of the new Nassau hub.
“When I delivered the Crime Victims Center over half a million dollars for expansion of regional services for survivors of abuse, it was the first step towards expanding this great organization and supporting the vital role they play in this community,” Schumer said. “Laura Ahearn and her dedicated team have proven to be nothing short of critical lifelines for victims of abuse on Long Island, and I thank them for their partnership and dedication to serving this chronically underserved population.”
Laura Ahearn, executive director and CEO of the Crime Victims Center, led the grand opening surrounded by a heavy-hitting coalition of supporters.
Joining her were state Sen. Jack Martins, county leaders, and representatives from local and federal law enforcement, public schools, and labor unions—a turnout that underscored the massive collaborative effort required to rebuild Nassau’s victim support infrastructure.
Operating as a designated New York State Certified Rape Crisis Center, the 501(c)(3) organization provides free, comprehensive services for victims of child sexual abuse, rape, and violent crimes, with dedicated support for elderly, minor, and disabled victims. The organization also works directly with law enforcement to maintain an accurate sex offender registry.
As Nassau turns the page on a turbulent year for victim advocacy, the Syosset facility stands ready to provide what survivors need most: dignity, effective treatment, and a secure path forward.
Source: LI Press
