Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: August 13, 2026

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the website operated by Crime Victims Assistance Center, Inc. (“CVAC,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), including https://cvac.us and all pages, content, forms, resources, downloads, links, features, and other materials made available through the website (collectively, the “Website”).

CVAC is a nonprofit organization providing services and support to individuals affected by crime, including crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, legal advocacy and support, case management, child advocacy, medical advocacy, and prevention education.

Please read these Terms carefully before using the Website.

1. Acceptance of These Terms

Where the Website expressly asks you to acknowledge or agree to these Terms by checking a box, clicking a button, completing a registration, submitting a form that expressly references these Terms, or taking another affirmative action, that action constitutes your agreement to these Terms to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Where no affirmative acceptance mechanism is presented, your access to and use of the Website remains subject to the provisions of these Terms to the extent enforceable under applicable law.

If you do not agree with these Terms, you should discontinue use of Website features that require agreement to them.

CVAC will not require an individual to accept Website Terms as a condition of requesting emergency assistance, crisis intervention, counseling, victim advocacy, or other protected services where doing so would be inconsistent with applicable law, professional obligations, or CVAC’s mission.

These Terms govern use of the Website. They do not govern, replace, modify, or establish the terms of counseling, crisis intervention, advocacy, legal services, Child Advocacy Center services, medical advocacy, case management, or other professional or victim services actually provided by CVAC.

Access to or eligibility for CVAC services is not conditioned upon a person agreeing to waive any legal right, confidentiality protection, privilege, victim right, professional protection, or other right that cannot lawfully be waived.

Individuals who do not wish to use the Website may contact CVAC through appropriate telephone, in-person, or other available service channels.

2. Emergencies and Immediate Safety

The Website is not an emergency response service and should not be used to request emergency assistance.

If you or another person is in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical emergency, or requires immediate law enforcement assistance, call 911 or the appropriate local emergency service.

For immediate crisis support from CVAC, call:

24/7 Crisis Line: (607) 722-4256

CVAC also maintains a text line at (607) 725-8196.

The text line is not intended for emergency or immediate response communications. Individuals needing immediate assistance should call the 24/7 Crisis Line.

Website forms, general email addresses, social media accounts, and other general electronic communications should not be used for emergencies, urgent safety concerns, or time-sensitive requests for assistance.

CVAC does not guarantee that a Website submission, email, social media message, text message, or other non-crisis electronic communication will be reviewed or answered within any particular period unless CVAC expressly states otherwise.

3. Scope of These Terms

These Terms apply to general use of the Website, including:

• Viewing Website pages and resources;
• Accessing educational materials;
• Using Website features;
• Submitting general inquiries;
• Interacting with embedded Website functionality;
• Following links to external resources;
• Registering for Website accessible events or programs, where applicable; and
• Engaging in other general Website activities.

These Terms do not, by themselves, establish the terms governing an actual counseling, advocacy, legal, medical, crisis, Child Advocacy Center, case management, or other professional service relationship.

Where an individual formally receives CVAC services, additional notices, informed consent documents, program requirements, confidentiality provisions, professional standards, service agreements, grant or funding requirements, or applicable laws may govern that relationship.

If these Terms conflict with a mandatory legal or professional obligation applicable to services actually provided by CVAC, the applicable legal or professional obligation will control to the extent of the conflict.

4. Website Information Is General Information

Website information is provided for general informational, educational, awareness, prevention, resource, and outreach purposes.

Circumstances involving:

• Crime;
• Abuse;
• Trauma;
• Domestic violence;
• Sexual violence;
• Child abuse or maltreatment;
• Stalking;
• Safety;
• Mental health;
• Medical care;
• Victim rights;
• Law enforcement;
• Court proceedings;
• Orders of protection;
• Compensation;
• Counseling; or
• Legal matters

are highly individualized.

Website information should not be interpreted as an individualized determination, professional judgment, diagnosis, legal conclusion, safety assessment, treatment recommendation, or guarantee concerning any particular person’s situation.

Individuals seeking assistance concerning their own circumstances should contact CVAC through the appropriate service channel or consult an appropriate qualified professional, healthcare provider, attorney, governmental agency, emergency service, or other appropriate resource.

5. No Professional Relationship Created by Website Use

Accessing, browsing, or using the Website does not, by itself, establish a:

• Counselor-client relationship;
• Therapist-client relationship;
• Advocate-client relationship;
• Attorney-client relationship;
• Healthcare provider-patient relationship;
• Fiduciary relationship;
• Agency relationship;
• Contractual service relationship; or
• Other professional relationship

between you and CVAC or any CVAC director, officer, employee, counselor, advocate, attorney, contractor, volunteer, or representative.

Submitting a general Website contact form, sending an unsolicited email, interacting through social media, or otherwise contacting CVAC through a general Website channel similarly does not, by itself, establish such a relationship.

A professional or service relationship may arise separately when CVAC formally accepts an individual for services or otherwise begins providing services in accordance with applicable procedures, professional requirements, program requirements, agreements, and law.

Nothing in these Terms defines, alters, limits, expands, or waives any professional relationship or legal duty that separately arises through actual services provided by CVAC.

6. Counseling and Mental Health Information

CVAC provides trauma-informed counseling and supportive services.

However, general Website information concerning trauma, victimization, mental health, coping, healing, abuse, relationships, safety, or related matters does not constitute individualized:

• Counseling;
• Psychotherapy;
• Psychological assessment;
• Diagnosis;
• Medical advice;
• Treatment;
• Mental health treatment; or
• Clinical care.

Website information should not be used as a substitute for an individualized assessment or appropriate professional assistance.

No Website content guarantees a particular therapeutic, psychological, emotional, medical, safety, or personal outcome.

The nature, scope, confidentiality, informed consent requirements, limitations, and conditions applicable to actual counseling services are governed by applicable law, professional standards, CVAC policies and procedures, program requirements, and the circumstances of the particular service.

7. Legal Information and Legal Advocacy

CVAC provides legal advocacy and may provide, coordinate, facilitate, or refer individuals to legal services where appropriate and available.

CVAC advocates may assist victims with navigating legal and court-related systems, understanding available resources and processes, accessing court-related services, preparing or completing certain documents, attending proceedings, and advocating for victims’ rights and needs.

General legal information appearing on the Website is informational only and does not constitute individualized legal advice.

Accessing legal information through the Website, receiving general information from CVAC, or submitting a Website inquiry does not, by itself:

• Create an attorney-client relationship;
• Establish legal representation;
• Constitute the filing of a legal document;
• Preserve a legal deadline;
• Commence a court proceeding; or
• Guarantee any legal outcome.

Nothing in these Terms is intended to define, alter, limit, or expand any attorney-client or other professional relationship that may separately arise through services provided by a licensed attorney, if applicable.

Laws, deadlines, court procedures, filing requirements, evidentiary requirements, eligibility requirements, and available remedies may change and may depend upon the facts of a particular matter.

Individuals should not delay obtaining appropriate legal assistance, responding to court documents, preserving evidence, filing required documents, or addressing a legal deadline because of Website information.

8. Advocacy, Safety Planning, and Services Do Not Guarantee Outcomes

CVAC may assist individuals with matters involving courts, prosecutors, law enforcement, hospitals, healthcare providers, social service agencies, child protection agencies, compensation programs, schools, government agencies, housing providers, employers, or other third parties.

CVAC does not control the decisions, actions, policies, timelines, or outcomes of independent persons, courts, agencies, institutions, providers, or organizations.

Accordingly, CVAC cannot guarantee:

• That an investigation will occur;
• That an arrest or prosecution will occur;
• That charges will be filed;
• That an order of protection or other court order will be issued or enforced;
• That a particular criminal, family court, custody, support, compensation, housing, employment, immigration, or other outcome will occur;
• That benefits, compensation, reimbursement, funding, services, or assistance will be approved;
• That another person will comply with a safety plan or court order;
• That a third party will act or respond within a particular time; or
• That counseling, advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, legal assistance, referrals, or other services will produce a particular result.

Safety planning is inherently individualized and cannot eliminate all risk.

No Website safety plan, checklist, educational resource, or recommendation can anticipate every circumstance or guarantee personal safety.

9. Confidentiality and Privileged Communications

CVAC recognizes the highly sensitive nature of information concerning victims, survivors, children, families, counseling, medical care, legal matters, crisis intervention, alleged offenders, safety planning, and related circumstances.

Depending upon the type of service, the person receiving a communication, the circumstances of the communication, applicable professional requirements, applicable program requirements, and applicable law, certain communications may be subject to confidentiality protections, statutory privileges, victim services protections, or other legal restrictions.

Nothing in these Terms is intended to waive, reduce, eliminate, alter, or condition any confidentiality protection, statutory privilege, victim right, professional obligation, or other protection applicable to communications made in connection with CVAC services.

However, users should not assume that information submitted through a general Website contact form, unsolicited email, social media message, or other general electronic communication automatically receives the same confidentiality or privilege protections that may apply within an established counseling, advocacy, crisis, legal, or other protected service relationship.

Users should avoid including unnecessary highly sensitive information in general Website communications.

Highly sensitive information may include, without limitation:

• Detailed descriptions of victimization;
• Information about children;
• Medical or mental health information;
• Social Security numbers;
• Financial account information;
• Immigration information;
• Passwords;
• Precise safety-related locations;
• Confidential legal information;
• Identifying information concerning alleged offenders; or
• Information that could create a safety risk if improperly accessed.

Individuals seeking confidential assistance should use the appropriate CVAC service channel whenever possible.

10. Required or Authorized Disclosures

Confidentiality and privacy protections may be subject to legally recognized exceptions.

CVAC may disclose information where disclosure is required by applicable law or is otherwise lawfully authorized in accordance with applicable law, valid authorization, professional obligations, court orders, or applicable program or funding requirements.

CVAC personnel may have legal or professional reporting obligations in certain circumstances, including circumstances involving suspected child abuse or maltreatment or other situations in which reporting or disclosure is required by law.

Nothing in these Terms:

• Creates an independent basis for disclosure;
• Expands CVAC’s authority to disclose information;
• Reduces a confidentiality or privilege protection;
• Authorizes disclosure otherwise prohibited by law; or
• Modifies any reporting obligation applicable to CVAC personnel.

11. Children and Minors

CVAC provides services and resources to children, minors, and families.

The Website is not categorically restricted to individuals eighteen years of age or older.

However, the rights and obligations relating to:

• A minor’s ability to consent to services;
• Parental or guardian authorization;
• Confidentiality;
• Access to records;
• Disclosure of information;
• Mandated reporting;
• Participation in services; and
• Other matters involving minors

depend upon applicable law, professional requirements, program requirements, and the particular circumstances.

Nothing on the Website or in these Terms should be interpreted as determining whether parental or guardian consent is required for a particular CVAC service.

Nothing in these Terms is intended to reduce any privacy, confidentiality, privilege, safety, or other protection afforded to a child or minor under applicable law.

Online information concerning children and minors is further addressed in CVAC’s Privacy Policy & Notice and Cookie Policy.

12. General Website Contact Forms and Electronic Communications

Website contact forms are intended for general inquiries unless expressly identified otherwise.

By voluntarily submitting a general Website form, you represent that the information you provide is accurate to the best of your knowledge and authorize CVAC to use the information as reasonably necessary to review and respond to your inquiry, consistent with CVAC’s Privacy Policy & Notice and applicable law.

Where you expressly consent to being contacted through a particular communication method, CVAC may contact you through that method concerning your inquiry, subject to applicable law and your applicable communication preferences.

Submitting a general Website inquiry:

• Does not guarantee that CVAC will accept you for services;
• Does not create a professional relationship;
• Does not create an agency or fiduciary relationship;
• Does not establish legal representation;
• Does not guarantee confidentiality beyond protections otherwise applicable under law or expressly agreed to; and
• Should not be used for emergencies.

Users are responsible for considering whether email, text messaging, voicemail, or other electronic communications are safe for their personal circumstances.

13. Digital Safety

Individuals experiencing domestic violence, stalking, abuse, harassment, exploitation, coercive control, or similar circumstances should recognize that Website activity may leave electronic records.

Website use may potentially be visible through:

• Browser history;
• Search history;
• Downloads;
• Bookmarks;
• Autofill information;
• Email;
• Text messages;
• Account activity;
• Synced browser data;
• Cloud accounts;
• Device backups;
• Network or router records; or
• Other electronic records.

Deleting Website history or changing privacy settings does not guarantee that Website activity becomes undetectable.

In some circumstances, deleting browsing information or changing settings may itself be noticeable to another person.

CVAC cannot guarantee that use of the Website will be undetectable to another person with access to a user’s device, browser, account, network, or electronic records.

14. Acceptable Use

You may use the Website only for lawful purposes and in a manner consistent with these Terms.

You agree not to:

• Use the Website to violate any applicable law or regulation;
• Interfere with or disrupt Website operation or security;
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Website, servers, databases, accounts, systems, or networks;
• Upload or transmit malware, malicious code, viruses, automated attacks, or harmful technology;
• Impersonate CVAC, a CVAC employee, another individual, or another organization;
• Provide knowingly false information for a fraudulent or malicious purpose;
• Use the Website to threaten, intimidate, stalk, harass, exploit, retaliate against, or harm another person;
• Use Website information to identify, locate, surveil, track, threaten, contact, or retaliate against a victim, survivor, child, service recipient, employee, volunteer, advocate, counselor, donor, or other person for an unlawful or harmful purpose;
• Attempt to obtain confidential or nonpublic victim, client, employee, donor, or organizational information without authorization;
• Scrape, harvest, collect, aggregate, or compile personal information from the Website for surveillance, profiling, harassment, commercial exploitation, or other unauthorized purposes;
• Falsely represent that Website information constitutes an official court, law enforcement, medical, legal, or governmental determination;
• Alter Website materials in a manner that falsely attributes modified information to CVAC;
• Use automated systems in a manner that unreasonably burdens or disrupts the Website;
• Circumvent Website security, privacy, consent, or access control measures; or
• Encourage or assist another person in engaging in prohibited conduct.

Nothing in this section prohibits good faith use of the Website to seek assistance, obtain information, advocate for oneself or another person, report a concern, or exercise a legal right.

15. Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise stated, Website content, including text, graphics, photographs, videos, logos, design elements, downloadable materials, educational materials, and other original content, is owned by or licensed to CVAC and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws.

CVAC grants users a limited, nonexclusive, nontransferable, revocable right to access and use Website content for lawful personal, informational, educational, or other noncommercial purposes consistent with the purpose for which the material is provided.

Unless expressly authorized by CVAC or permitted by law, users may not:

• Reproduce substantial portions of the Website for commercial purposes;
• Sell or commercially exploit Website content;
• Remove copyright, trademark, attribution, or proprietary notices;
• Falsely claim ownership or authorship of CVAC materials;
• Use CVAC’s name, logo, or branding in a manner that falsely suggests endorsement, sponsorship, affiliation, or authorization; or
• Modify and redistribute Website content in a misleading or harmful manner.

Materials expressly designated for sharing, downloading, educational distribution, or public use may be used in accordance with the instructions accompanying those materials.

Nothing in these Terms limits any right provided by applicable copyright law, including lawful fair use.

16. User-Submitted Information

You retain any ownership rights you may have in information or materials that you voluntarily submit to CVAC through the Website.

CVAC does not require a broad commercial license to a victim’s or Website user’s personal submission merely because that information is submitted through a Website form.

By submitting information through a general Website feature, you authorize CVAC to receive, store, review, use, reproduce internally, and communicate the information only as reasonably necessary to:

• Process the submission;
• Respond to the inquiry;
• Provide requested information;
• Administer the relevant Website feature;
• Protect safety or security;
• Comply with applicable law;
• Maintain appropriate records; or
• Otherwise process the information as described in CVAC’s Privacy Policy & Notice or as separately authorized.

Nothing in these Terms authorizes CVAC to publicly disclose confidential, privileged, or legally protected victim or service recipient information in violation of applicable law.

If you voluntarily provide general feedback, suggestions, or ideas concerning Website design or functionality that do not include confidential or protected personal information, CVAC may use that feedback to improve its Website or operations without compensation or attribution.

17. Accuracy of Website Information

CVAC makes reasonable efforts to provide useful and accurate Website information.

However, laws, court procedures, agency practices, compensation programs, community resources, eligibility requirements, telephone numbers, office hours, available services, funding, program requirements, third-party resources, and other information may change.

CVAC does not guarantee that all Website information is at all times:

• Complete;
• Current;
• Error-free;
• Applicable to every circumstance; or
• Appropriate for a particular individual’s needs.

Users should verify time-sensitive, legally significant, medically significant, safety-related, or otherwise important information with CVAC or the appropriate court, governmental agency, healthcare provider, attorney, service provider, or other authoritative source before relying upon it.

CVAC may correct, modify, update, suspend, remove, or replace Website information without prior notice.

18. Third-Party Websites, Resources, and Services

The Website may contain links to or integrations with third-party:

• Government agencies;
• Courts;
• Law enforcement resources;
• Healthcare organizations;
• Victim service organizations;
• Compensation programs;
• Notification systems;
• Donation processors;
• Social service providers;
• Educational resources;
• Embedded media;
• Maps;
• Social media services; or
• Other external resources.

Third-party resources are provided for convenience, informational, or functional purposes.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, CVAC does not own, operate, control, or manage those third-party services.

A link or reference does not necessarily constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, affiliation, or guarantee of the third party or all of its content, practices, products, or services.

Third-party services may have their own:

• Terms;
• Privacy policies;
• Cookie policies;
• Security practices;
• Eligibility requirements;
• Fees;
• Accessibility practices; and
• Data processing practices.

Users should review applicable third-party terms and policies before using those services or providing sensitive information.

19. Donations and Third-Party Payment Processing

The Website may provide links or functionality allowing users to make voluntary donations to CVAC through an independent payment or donation processing platform.

When a donation is processed by a third party, additional terms, privacy practices, payment processing requirements, refund procedures, or other conditions established by that provider may apply.

CVAC does not control the independent systems or practices of a third-party payment provider.

Users are responsible for providing accurate payment and donor information.

Unless otherwise required by applicable law or stated by CVAC or the applicable payment processor, nothing on the Website constitutes individualized tax, accounting, or financial advice concerning the deductibility or tax treatment of a donation.

Donors should consult an appropriate tax professional regarding their own circumstances where necessary.

Nothing in these Terms authorizes a payment processor or other third party to use victim service information in violation of applicable privacy or confidentiality requirements.

20. Events, Education, and Training

CVAC may provide information regarding prevention education, community education, professional training, events, programs, presentations, or other educational opportunities.

Participation may be subject to:

• Capacity limitations;
• Registration requirements;
• Eligibility requirements;
• Scheduling changes;
• Safety requirements;
• Program-specific rules;
• Funding limitations; or
• Additional terms communicated for a particular program or event.

Unless CVAC expressly states otherwise, general Website educational materials do not constitute professional certification, licensure, legal advice, clinical training, or a guarantee that participation will satisfy any independent employer, licensing, professional, or regulatory requirement.

CVAC may modify, postpone, relocate, or cancel events or programs as reasonably necessary.

21. Service Availability and Eligibility

Descriptions of CVAC programs or services on the Website do not guarantee that every service will be available to every person at every time.

Services may be subject to factors including:

• Eligibility criteria;
• Geographic limitations;
• Program scope;
• Age-related requirements;
• Staffing;
• Capacity;
• Funding;
• Professional assessment;
• Conflicts of interest;
• Legal or ethical restrictions;
• Jurisdiction;
• Safety considerations;
• Grant requirements; or
• Other appropriate considerations.

CVAC may determine that a particular service is unavailable, outside a program’s scope, inappropriate under the circumstances, or better provided by another organization or professional.

CVAC may make referrals to other resources where appropriate.

Nothing on the Website guarantees admission, eligibility, continued participation, counseling, representation, compensation, funding, advocacy, treatment, or assistance through any particular program.

22. Privacy and Cookies

CVAC’s collection, use, disclosure, retention, and protection of personal information through the Website are addressed in its Privacy Policy & Notice.

CVAC’s use of cookies and similar Website technologies is addressed in its Cookie Policy.

The Privacy Policy & Notice and Cookie Policy provide additional information concerning CVAC’s privacy and Website technology practices.

Except where expressly stated otherwise or required by applicable law, those policies function as privacy notices and do not independently create contractual rights or obligations beyond those otherwise established by applicable law or an applicable agreement.

Nothing in this section limits any privacy, confidentiality, security, data protection, breach notification, victim services, professional, or other obligation imposed upon CVAC by applicable law.

Nothing in these Terms expands CVAC’s authority to collect, use, process, retain, or disclose information beyond what is permitted by applicable law or otherwise described in applicable privacy notices.

Nothing in these Terms waives or reduces any stronger confidentiality, privilege, privacy, or security protection applicable to actual CVAC services.

23. Accessibility

CVAC seeks to make its Website and information accessible to the communities it serves.

Individuals who experience difficulty accessing Website content or who require assistance obtaining information through another format should contact CVAC.

The availability of alternative formats or accommodations may depend upon the nature of the requested material, applicable law, technological capabilities, and individual circumstances.

Nothing in these Terms limits any accessibility right or reasonable accommodation obligation imposed by applicable law.

24. Website Availability and Security

CVAC may modify, maintain, suspend, restrict, or discontinue Website features when reasonably necessary for:

• Maintenance;
• Security;
• Technical updates;
• Legal compliance;
• Operational requirements;
• System integrity; or
• Other legitimate purposes.

CVAC does not guarantee that the Website will be continuously available or free from technical errors, interruptions, security threats, or harmful technological components.

Users are responsible for maintaining reasonable security for their own devices, accounts, passwords, networks, and electronic communications.

Nothing in these Terms limits or waives any data security, breach notification, confidentiality, privacy, records management, or information protection obligation imposed upon CVAC by applicable law.

25. Disclaimer of Warranties

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Website and its general informational and educational content are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis.

CVAC does not warrant that:

• The Website will always be available or uninterrupted;
• Every Website error will be corrected immediately;
• Website information will be appropriate for every individual circumstance;
• Use of Website information will produce a particular result; or
• Third-party websites or services will remain available, accurate, secure, or appropriate.

This section applies to the Website and its general informational content.

It is not intended to disclaim, reduce, waive, or modify professional, statutory, contractual, ethical, confidentiality, privacy, reporting, informed consent, data security, or other duties applicable to services CVAC has actually undertaken to provide.

26. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, CVAC and its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, agents, contractors, and representatives will not be liable for losses or damages arising solely from:

• Reliance upon general Website information;
• Temporary Website outages, interruptions, errors, omissions, or technical problems;
• Changes in laws, programs, procedures, or third-party resources after Website content is published;
• Independent acts, omissions, decisions, information, products, or services of third parties;
• A user’s failure to verify time-sensitive or materially important general Website information; or
• A user’s decision not to obtain individualized professional, medical, legal, crisis, emergency, or other appropriate assistance.

This limitation applies only to the extent liability may lawfully be limited.

Nothing in this Section or elsewhere in these Terms excludes, releases, waives, or limits any liability, right, remedy, duty, or protection that cannot lawfully be excluded, released, waived, or limited, including liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, fraud, intentional wrongdoing, or other conduct for which liability cannot lawfully be limited.

Nothing in these Terms releases CVAC from professional, statutory, contractual, ethical, confidentiality, privacy, data security, reporting, informed consent, or other duties applicable to services CVAC has undertaken to provide.

27. Limited Indemnification for Unlawful Website Misuse

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, a user who intentionally or unlawfully misuses the Website agrees to be responsible for losses, liabilities, claims, damages, and reasonable costs directly resulting from:

• Intentional unauthorized access to CVAC systems;
• Malicious interference with Website operation;
• Unlawful use of the Website to stalk, threaten, harass, exploit, or harm another person;
• Infringement of another person’s intellectual property rights through material intentionally submitted by the user;
• Fraudulent impersonation; or
• Other knowing unlawful Website activity by that user.

This provision does not apply merely because a victim, survivor, child, family member, or other individual uses the Website in good faith to seek assistance, obtain information, report a concern, exercise a legal right, or access CVAC resources.

This provision does not create liability for a minor where such liability would be prohibited or unenforceable under applicable law.

28. Restriction of Website Access

CVAC may take reasonable measures to restrict or block Website access where CVAC reasonably believes a person is:

• Attacking or disrupting the Website;
• Attempting unauthorized access;
• Using the Website to harm or surveil another person;
• Engaging in fraud;
• Distributing malware;
• Scraping sensitive information for an unauthorized purpose; or
• Otherwise engaging in serious or unlawful misuse.

Where reasonably practicable, restrictions will be tailored to the conduct at issue.

Restriction of Website access does not, by itself, determine whether an individual is eligible to obtain CVAC services through another appropriate channel.

29. No Waiver of Victim Rights, Privileges, or Legal Protections

Nothing in these Terms is intended to require any crime victim, survivor, child, client, or service recipient to waive or surrender a right or protection provided by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Nothing in these Terms waives, diminishes, or modifies any applicable:

• Victim right;
• Counselor privilege;
• Advocate privilege;
• Attorney-client privilege;
• Healthcare privilege;
• Confidentiality protection;
• Evidentiary privilege;
• Child protection right;
• Privacy right;
• Professional duty;
• Statutory protection; or
• Other legally recognized protection.

Where a right or protection cannot lawfully be waived through Website Terms, nothing in these Terms will be interpreted as attempting to waive it.

30. No Creation, Expansion, or Waiver of Legal Duties

Nothing contained in the Website or these Terms is intended to create, expand, reduce, modify, or waive any legal, statutory, professional, contractual, ethical, fiduciary, confidentiality, privacy, reporting, data security, informed consent, victim services, grant-related, or other duty except where such duty is independently established by applicable law, an applicable professional relationship, or a separate enforceable agreement.

Nothing in these Terms creates:

• A professional relationship solely through Website use;
• A guarantee or warranty not otherwise expressly provided;
• A fiduciary relationship;
• A legal representation relationship;
• A standard of care beyond one independently imposed by applicable law or professional obligation; or
• A cause of action that would not otherwise exist under applicable law.

Nothing in these Terms limits any right, remedy, protection, or duty that cannot lawfully be limited.

31. Governing Law

To the extent permitted by applicable law, these Terms and disputes arising solely from use of the Website will be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflict-of-law principles that would require application of another jurisdiction’s laws.

Nothing in this provision:

• Overrides a mandatory law applicable to a user;
• Determines the law governing an actual professional or victim service relationship where another law applies;
• Limits a legally protected victim right;
• Alters jurisdiction established by statute; or
• Requires application of New York law where doing so would be prohibited by applicable law.

32. Venue

To the extent permitted by applicable law, a legal proceeding arising solely from these Terms or general use of the Website may be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction located in New York, including an appropriate state or federal court serving the area in which CVAC is located.

Nothing in this provision limits a person’s right to bring a claim in another venue where applicable law prohibits enforcement of a contrary venue provision or independently provides a mandatory venue.

These Terms do not require arbitration and do not contain a class action waiver.

33. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is determined by a court or other authority of competent jurisdiction to be unlawful, invalid, or unenforceable, that provision will be interpreted or limited to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable where permitted.

If the provision cannot lawfully be enforced, it will be severed to the extent necessary.

The remaining provisions will continue in effect unless applicable law requires otherwise.

34. No Waiver

CVAC’s failure to exercise or enforce a provision of these Terms in a particular instance does not constitute a permanent waiver of that provision or CVAC’s ability to enforce it in another appropriate circumstance.

No waiver will operate to waive any right, duty, privilege, confidentiality protection, or statutory requirement that cannot lawfully be waived.

35. Entire Agreement Regarding Website Use

These Terms, together with any additional terms expressly presented and affirmatively accepted in connection with a particular Website feature, constitute the entire agreement between CVAC and the applicable user concerning the matters expressly governed by these Terms.

This provision applies only to Website use and does not supersede, replace, modify, or govern any separate:

• Counseling agreement;
• Advocacy agreement;
• Legal services agreement;
• Crisis intervention arrangement;
• Child Advocacy Center documentation;
• Medical advocacy arrangement;
• Case management documentation;
• Informed consent document;
• Confidentiality notice;
• Donor agreement;
• Employment agreement;
• Vendor agreement;
• Grant requirement; or
• Other professional, service, or contractual relationship.

Where another valid agreement or legally required document governs actual services, that agreement or document will control the applicable matter to the extent required by law.

36. No Third-Party Beneficiaries

Except where expressly provided by applicable law or a separate written agreement, these Terms are intended to govern the relationship between CVAC and the individual user to whom an applicable provision lawfully applies.

These Terms are not intended to create enforceable rights, remedies, benefits, or causes of action in any third party.

Nothing in this section limits any right or protection independently provided to another person under applicable law.

37. Survival

Provisions of these Terms that by their nature are intended to continue after a user’s Website use ends will survive termination or discontinuation of Website use to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Such provisions may include, where applicable:

• Intellectual property provisions;
• Restrictions concerning unlawful Website misuse;
• Confidentiality-related limitations applicable to user conduct;
• Limitations of liability;
• Indemnification obligations arising from prior intentional unlawful misuse;
• Governing law provisions;
• Venue provisions;
• Severability;
• No-waiver provisions; and
• Other provisions necessary to give effect to rights or obligations arising during Website use.

Nothing in this section extends or creates a duty, restriction, or liability beyond what is permitted by applicable law.

38. Relationship to Other CVAC Policies and Service Documents

These Terms should be read together with CVAC’s:

• Privacy Policy & Notice;
• Cookie Policy;
• Disclaimer;
• Accessibility Statement; and
• Any additional notices or terms presented in connection with a particular Website feature.

Except where expressly stated otherwise, these policies and notices do not become contractual promises merely because they are referenced by these Terms.

Separate informed consent documents, service agreements, professional notices, program rules, confidentiality notices, grant requirements, or other service-specific documents may apply when an individual actually receives CVAC services.

Where a service-specific document validly governs a matter relating to actual services, that document will control that matter to the extent required by law.

These Website Terms should not be interpreted to override a greater confidentiality, privilege, professional, safety, victim rights, or other legal protection applicable to actual CVAC services.

39. Changes to These Terms

CVAC may revise these Terms periodically to reflect changes in:

• The Website;
• Website functionality;
• CVAC programs or operations;
• Legal or regulatory requirements;
• Security practices; or
• Related policies.

Revised Terms will become effective when posted to the Website unless otherwise stated or unless applicable law requires another form of notice, consent, or assent.

The “Last Updated” date at the beginning of these Terms will identify the date of the most recent revision.

Where applicable law requires additional notice, affirmative consent, or renewed assent concerning a material change, CVAC will seek to provide that notice, obtain that consent, or obtain that renewed assent as required.

Where a user previously provided affirmative agreement to these Terms through a Website feature, CVAC will provide additional notice or obtain renewed assent to a material revision where required for the revised provision to be enforceable under applicable law.

A user’s continued use of the Website after revised Terms are posted will constitute acceptance only to the extent such acceptance is recognized as valid and enforceable under applicable law.

40. Contact Information

Questions concerning these Terms or the Website may be directed to:

Crime Victims Assistance Center, Inc.
71 Robinson St
Binghamton, New York 13901

United States
Main Office: (607) 723-3200

For individuals seeking services, contact CVAC through the appropriate service channel.

24/7 Crisis Line: (607) 722-4256

Text Line: (607) 725-8196

The text line is not intended for emergency or immediate response communications. Individuals needing immediate support should call the 24/7 Crisis Line.

If you or another person is in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical emergency, or requires immediate law enforcement assistance, call 911 or the appropriate local emergency service.