FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 5, 2021

CONTACT: Connie Neal, Executive Director

CNEAL@NYSCADV.ORG

518-482-5465                                                                         

Albany, NY — Each year in October, advocates, survivors, supporters, and allies recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This October, The New York State Coalition Against Domestic (NYSCADV) is partnering with the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and other state and territorial coalitions across the nation to start a coordinated national conversation about domestic violence and how we can all contribute to changing the narrative on this overshadowed, but fundamental topic.  

More prevalent than most realize, one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. Anyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual identity or orientation, or socio-economic status, can become a victim of domestic violence. This year’s campaign theme, #Every1KnowsSome1, strives to highlight how common domestic violence is and that it is more than physical violence. 

“The impact of domestic violence on New Yorkers is more significant than ever,” said Connie Neal, Executive Director of NYSCADV. “New York State has the greatest demand for domestic violence support services in the country. Unfortunately, far too many requests for help and support go unmet because domestic violence advocacy programs do not have the resources they need to respond.” 

Throughout October, NYSCADV and NNEDV will be sharing content on their social media channels to help raise awareness and educate the public on the complex dynamics of domestic violence. A week of action is planned for October 18 – 24, 2021 designed to engage advocates, partners, and the public in starting a national conversation. NYSCADV is also hosting a public awareness and educational event that will be livestreamed on the NYSCADV Facebook page on Thursday, October 21 at 12pm.

To raise funds to support NYSCADV’s work to prevent and end domestic violence, NYSCADV is once again hosting its annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest, a virtual event where participants of any age are invited to decorate a pumpkin and enter the contest by submitting a photo. Prizes are awarded to top contestants in four age categories, and a special Purple Pumpkin Award is also given. Early bird pricing is only $10 through October 15. Visit NYSCADV’s event page for more information or to register. Special thanks to all contest sponsors, including the event’s “Purple Pumpkin” sponsors, Times Union and Sunmark Credit Union.

Free and confidential help is available 24/7 for individuals experiencing domestic violence. Those seeking help may contact the New York State Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906, 711 for Deaf or Hard of Hearing, the New York State Text Hotline at 844.997.2121 or the NYS Chat Hotline at https://opdv.ny.gov/chat.html.

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 provides education and technical assistance to the network of primary-purpose domestic violence service providers statewide.