Takanot Project

Free, confidential, religiously sensitive counseling and support services for Orthodox Jewish survivors of rape, sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, and domestic violence.

The Takanot Project
As the name implies, the purpose of the SAVI Takanot Project is L'takain, or to make better, to heal that which has been harmed within the survivor's spirit as a result of his or her experiences of sexual assault or domestic abuse.

Counseling, Referrals, and Support Services
Individual and group counseling for survivors and family members-as well as other support services-are provided free of charge by experienced professional culturally sensitive clinicians (social workers and counselors), with knowledge of Torah values, religious law, and Orthodox Jewish cultural practices. SAVI Takanot clinicians will be understanding not just of the survivor's emotional needs, but also of how the survivor's experience affects them as a member of the frum community.

Rabbanim are available to talk to counselors and survivors upon request to address specific questions about halachic matters, as well as relevant hashkafic issues. Whether the assault or abuse was recent 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. Takanot counseling is also available in Hebrew, Spanish and other languages at Mount Sinai and locations throughout New York City.

New York State Crime Victims Board
Takanot assists survivors in filing compensation claims with the NYS Crime Victims Board.

Legal Advocacy
Takanot provides support and information to survivors who choose to report these crimes, as they interact with the police and criminal justice system. Assistance with the Get process is also provided.

Education and Training
Community education and professional training are available. Takanot provides workshops at colleges and seminaries, programs for yeshiva students on safety and services, and for yeshiva staff on supporting the young survivor. Education programs are tailored to the specific needs and experience of the Orthodox Jewish community.

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, a rabbi, rebetzin or teacher.
• Call us.

Remember:

• Sexual assault and relationship abuse can happen to anyone regardless of their religious affiliation, whether they are male or female, young or old.
• Rape and abuse are often committed by someone who is trusted and respected-someone who takes advantage of and betrays that 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.
• Orthodox rabbinical authorities agree that the abuser cannot hide behind Torah values: rape, sexual, physical and emotional abuse are unequivocally wrong in the eyes of the Torah.
• Maybe the assault happened a long time ago. If so, you can still reach out for help. It's not too late to heal, L'Takain.
• You are a good person and you deserve help.
• You are not alone. . . Call us.

Call Us
Savi Takanot Project (212) 423-2147

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

Hospital Emergency Rooms Served by Mount Sinai SAVI Program
Cabrini Hospital
Harlem Hospital
Metropolitan Hospital
Lenox Hill Hospital
The Mount Sinai Hospital
North General Hospital
Elmhurst Hospital Center
The Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens
Queens Hospital Center

SAVI Counselors are on site at Mount Sinai, Elmhurst, and the Queens District Attorney's Office

Takanot counseling is also available at other locations in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens.

Other Important Numbers

• Safe Horizons 24-Hour Hotline
  (212) 577-7777
• NYC Police Dept. Special Victims 24-Hour Report Line
  (212) 267-7273
• NYC Domestic Violence 24-Hour Hotline
  (800) 621-4673
• Shalom Task Force Hotline
  (212) 874-2915
• SOVRI Helpline
  (212) 844-1495