FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            

January 15, 2021                                                                              

CONTACT:       Connie Neal, Executive Director

CNEAL@NYSCADV.ORG/518-482-5465

As we turned the calendar on the New Year, we breathed a collective sigh of relief that 2020 was finally behind us. Yet only six days into the new year, we were forced again to navigate horrific and deeply disturbing events. The attack on the Capitol leaves us unnerved, saddened, and angry. As an organization that has worked for more than 40 years to prevent and stop violence, NYSCADV condemns the January 6th assault on the U.S. Capitol and other locations around the country, including the NYS Capitol in Albany. We call for accountability of all who were complicit.

The violent attempt to disrupt the democratic process of certifying legitimate election results is an attack on democracy and serves as a stark reminder that there is much work to be done to build an equitable world free of violence. The invasion of the Capitol, fueled by white supremacy, is another example that shines a spotlight on the racial inequities that permeate our systems and institutions in New York and throughout the United States. These appalling acts have resulted in loss of life, destruction of property, threats to our democratic system, and trauma for our nation.

Although the violence over the past week has left us shaken, NYSCADV remains steadfast and resolute in our commitment and responsibility to change the systems that create and cultivate injustice, inequality, and violence in all forms, including domestic and gender-based violence. We are re-doubling our efforts to ensure the principles of anti-oppression, accessibility, and intersectionality underlie everything we do. We will work harder to elevate the experiences and voices of survivors, disrupt systems of oppression that disproportionately affect people of color and marginalized communities, and ensure availability, accessibility and equity of service provision.

During our strategic planning process this fall, NYSCADV identified several priority goals to guide us as an organization, including a re-commitment to centering diversity, equity, inclusion and racial/social justice at the core of our work. Our organizational strategies will continue to prioritize these efforts in the weeks, months, and years to come.

We believe that living a life free of violence is a human right that everyone is entitled to. We recognize that there is still much to do, and much to learn, in order to create the world that we envision, to change oppressive systems, and ensure safety, equality and justice for all people. We invite you to join us in this work.

We want to thank all those who stand alongside us and our work in solidarity. We recognize that these times can feel challenging, discouraging and uncomfortable. Please take care of yourselves, and each other, and know that NYSCADV is here to provide support in any way we can. Together, we will continue to forge ahead and work toward building a world that is free of violence, and equitable for all. 

Click here to download the statement.

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.