Services

Operation Guardian Program

Free, confidential, non-judgmental counseling and support services for young survivors of commercial sexual exploitation.

The purpose of the SAVI Operation Guardian Program is to provide youth, ages 11-19, who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation with counseling and support services, in addition to reducing recruitment into prostitution, prosecuting pimps to the fullest extent of the law, conducting targeted outreach programs to criminal justice staff and social service providers, and developing prevention programming for specific high-risk populations.

Counseling, Referrals and Support Services

Individual counseling for survivors and family members, as well as other support services are provided free of charge by experienced clinicians (social workers, psychologists, counselors), with knowledge of commercial sexual exploitation, sexual assault, domestic violence, and trauma. SAVI clinicians understand the complex similarities between sexual abuse, domestic violence, and commercial sexual exploitation. Many children engaged in prostitution have previously experienced sexual abuse and/or physical abuse. Studies indicate that as many as 90 percent of young women involved in prostitution were sexually abused as children.

Operation Guardian maintains strong, ongoing relationships with the New York City's Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation of Children, the Queens' District Attorney's Office, Family Court, the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault, Urban Center for Justice, Empire State Coalition of Youth and Family Services, the Downstate Coalition, the Queens Borough President's Task Force Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, the NYC Interagency Task Force on Domestic Violence, the UJA Task Force Against Domestic Violence, and the NYC Sexual Violence Prevention Task Force. Whether the assault or abuse occurred recently or a long time ago, counseling is immensely valuable. Confidentiality is a strict principle of SAVI service: no one will know that you have come for help. Operation Guardian counseling is also available in Spanish, French, Portuguese, and other languages at Mount Sinai and locations throughout New York City.

New York State Crime Victims Board

Operation Guardian assists survivors in filing compensation claims with the NYS Crime Victims Board.

Legal Advocacy

Operation Guardian provides support and information to survivors who come into contact with the police and criminal justice system. We work closely with the Alternatives to Sentencing Division of the Queens' Criminal Court to provide court advocacy to young women who have been charged with prostitution.

Education and Training

Community education and professional trainings are available. Operation Guardian provides workshops to raise awareness on the realities of commercial sexual exploitation.

Youth. Provide youth with the skills to recognize and avoid commercial sexual exploitation. The objective is to teach effective communication skills to young people, learn to seek out trusted adults for help, find healthy ways to build teen dating relationships, understand what it's like to work on the streets as a prostitute, and empower young people to prevent sexual exploitation in their own lives and the lives of their friends.

Adults. Raise awareness of the sexual exploitation of youth. The objective is to educate adults on the warning signs of commercial sexual exploitation, how to prevent children from engaging in prostitution, and where to seek help if they feel a child is engaging in or is at risk of commercial sexual exploitation.

If Someone Hurts You or Forces You to Have Sex, or Touches You Inappropriately:

• Go to a safe place.
• Call 911 for immediate police protection and medical attention.
• Go to a hospital emergency department or contact a doctor you trust for medical care immediately after an assault or rape. If you go to one of the hospital emergency rooms served by our program, a SAVI Advocate will be called in to provide you with support and assistance.
• Tell someone you trust, such as a close family member, friend or neighbor.
• Call us.

Remember

• Commercial Sexual Exploitation can happen to anyone regardless of their race, sexual identity, and religious affiliation, whether they are male or female, young or old.
• Commercial Sexual Exploitation is committed by someone who takes advantage of you and betrays your trust and respect. There are others out there you can still trust and who will help you.
• You are not to blame for the assault or abuse. You are not at fault for the wrongful acts of another person. There is no reason to be ashamed. Only the abuser is responsible for the acts he or she chooses to commit.
• Maybe the abuse happened a long time ago. If so, you can still reach out for help. It's never too late to heal.
• You are a good person and you deserve help.
• You are not alone. Call us.

Contact Information

SAVI Operation Guardian Program (212) 423-2140 or (718) 286-6604.

• Identify yourself as calling about the Operation Guardian Program.
• If you reach a recording, leave a safe phone number and time at which to reach you.