Statement by Connie Neal, Executive Director of the NYSCADV

“With the New York State Legislature poised to proclaim today as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day, we are reminded again how domestic violence affects people of all backgrounds. No one is immune.

“It is stunning, shocking and horrifying that individuals across New York State continue to be abused by their intimate partners. We commend those who come forward to bring domestic violence out of the shadows so abusers can be held accountable. The New York State Legislature must act now to pass laws to protect domestic violence victims and their families and provide critical resources to keep them safe.

“Now for the third year in a row, New York has the highest demand for domestic violence services in the country. The numbers are staggering – more than 7,100 requests for services on one day in 2017. How many more New Yorkers must face abuse and violence in their relationships before our state government takes measures to protect them?”

Tomorrow, on May 9, nearly 200 domestic violence victim advocates and survivors will join NYSCADV in Albany to call on the New York State Legislature to support intervention initiatives to respond to domestic violence when it happens and increase state funding for primary prevention to stop domestic violence from occurring in the first place.

ABOUT THE NEW YORK STATE COALITION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
Established in 1978, NYSCADV is designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as the information clearinghouse, primary point of contact, and resource center on domestic violence for the State of New York. NYSCADV is responsible for supporting the development of policies, protocol, and procedures to enhance domestic violence intervention and prevention and also provides education and technical assistance to the network of primary-purpose domestic violence service providers statewide.