The Brief

Kings County Hospital Launches Kings CARES Program to Support Survivors of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence

NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County introduces Kings CARES, a comprehensive initiative offering specialized care and support for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.

In a significant advancement for Brooklyn's healthcare services, NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County has unveiled the Kings CARES program, a dedicated initiative aimed at providing comprehensive support for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. This program centralizes follow-up care, ensuring that survivors receive continuous, specialized attention tailored to their unique needs. The Kings CARES program is designed to address the multifaceted challenges faced by survivors. It offers a range of services, including obstetric and gynecologic care, behavioral health support, and neurological care for those who have experienced traumatic brain injuries. Beyond medical treatment, the program emphasizes holistic support by providing forensic and social services, such as injury documentation and direct connections to financial assistance, insurance, and housing resources, including access to the city's domestic violence shelters. Through collaborations with New York City's five District Attorney’s offices and the NYC Family Justice Centers, Kings CARES ensures that survivors are seamlessly connected to free, confidential services tailored to their needs. The establishment of Kings CARES comes in response to a notable increase in reported cases of sexual assault and domestic violence in Brooklyn. In 2025, the NYPD reported 566 rapes in Brooklyn alone, marking a 22% increase from the previous year. As a SAFE Center of Excellence, Kings County Hospital has been at the forefront of responding to these victims and survivors, providing critical care and support. Dr. Keesandra K. Agenor, Medical Director of Brooklyn Sexual Assault Response Teams at NYC Health + Hospitals, highlighted the program's significance, stating, “Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault are among the most vulnerable individuals who come through the sliding doors of our emergency department, carrying not only physical injuries but emotional wounds that are often unseen.” She emphasized that Kings CARES offers a safe space where survivors can receive care without the fear of getting lost in the system. Dr. Priyanka Datta, Medical Director of Kings CARES and Director of the Clinical Forensic Medicine Fellowship at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, added, “Kings CARES addresses these obstacles by providing trauma-informed, patient-centered forensic care, with coordinated access to legal advocacy and survivor support through our partnerships with the District Attorney’s offices and NYC Family Justice Centers.” The program's launch underscores NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County's commitment to enhancing the quality of care for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. By integrating medical, forensic, and social support services, Kings CARES aims to provide a comprehensive, compassionate response to the needs of survivors, fostering a path toward healing and stability.

ℹ️ Researched and summarized from public reporting. Check the sources below.

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