An array of Brooklyn and Queens lawmakers and elected officials today applauded the city’s first-ever, web-based portal, NYCHOPE, dedicated to providing resources to survivors and information to all city residents about how to help someone experiencing domestic violence.
The web portal and accompanying ad campaign were recommendations of the NYC Domestic Violence Task Force, which is First Lady Chirlane McCray and NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill co-chaired.
“It is time to stop asking survivors of domestic violence why they stay and start asking what more can we do to support them and their families. The innovative NYCHOPE portal and ‘We Understand’ ad campaign will help educate New Yorkers about the complexities of intimate partner violence, and make it easier for survivors to access the services they need for safety and heal from trauma,” said McCray.
Features of the NYCHOPE web portal include a resource directory providing survivors with easy access to locate services within their community, information about healthy relationships and signs of abuse, and a useful guide about how to help a friend or family member experiencing abuse. The portal includes tech safety tips and a quick-escape feature for users to ensure their safety while accessing the platform. Finally, the portal includes information about the city’s five Family Justice Centers, and directly connects users to other City agency sites to easily access information.
“There is no instance in which domestic violence is ever acceptable. Furthermore, no victim should feel alone,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-Brooklyn, Queens, Lower Manhattan). “I applaud the City for undertaking a new campaign to connect survivors of domestic violence with support, education and vital resources. From the federal level, I will continue to fight for additional resources to advocate for victims and ensure that perpetrators of such violence are brought to justice.”
Other Congress members cheering the initiative include Joseph Crowley (D-Queens), Dan Donovan (R-Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island) and Grace Meng (D-Queens).
We must stop the deadly cycle of abuse. No one should suffer in silence fearing repercussion because of this scourge perpetrated upon them. I encourage victims of domestic violence to take advantage of the assistance available from city and state agencies. Survivors need to be encouraged to seek help, and offered information and support as they endeavor to disengage themselves from this vicious cycle of domestic abuse. NYC is taking a great first step with this campaign,” said State Sen. Roxanne Persaud (D-Brooklyn).
“According to the CDC 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. However, domestic violence claims victims from not only spouses and partners but, family members. Some people may not even notice the signs that they are in physically or sexually violent relationship,” said Assembly Member Latrice Walker (D-Brooklyn).
Other assembly members supporting the campaign include Jo Anne Simon (D-Brooklyn) and Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman (D-Queens).
The Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence manages the City’s five Family Justice Centers in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. The Centers serve as one-stop service centers to reduce barriers for victims of domestic violence, elder abuse, sex trafficking, and connect them to services in their language, regardless of immigration status, income, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The City’s Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 and provides safety planning, referrals, and connections to emergency housing for victims of domestic violence. Individuals can contact the City’s Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE.
“Queens has a deep commitment to supporting survivors, and First Lady McCray’s citywide awareness campaign backed by public investment is a reflection of our shared priority. Domestic violence is a complex problem, and fully eradicating it is far from over. The ‘We Understand’ campaign and ‘NYCHope’ are important steps to combat intimate partner violence in our city and publicize the resources available for all survivors,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz.
Other lawmakers giving positive comments on the initiative include City Council Members Laurie Cumbo (D-Brooklyn) and Donovan Richards. (D-Queens)
For more information about the NYC Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence, please visit http://www.nyc.gov/domesticviolence.
