Governor Cuomo Announces Funding to Prevent Domestic Violence

Albany, NY - October 20, 2014 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced New York is receiving more than $4.3 million for programs that serve domestic violence victims across the state. The funding is provided through the Federal Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, which supports the establishment, maintenance, and expansion of programs to prevent domestic violence. It also provides immediate shelter and support services for all victims of domestic violence and their children, as well as specialized services for underserved populations throughout the state.

"Too many families experience violence at home, and my administration has made it a priority to help New Yorkers break this cycle of abuse," Governor Cuomo said. "This funding will support proven programs that are designed to help victims and combat the problem of domestic violence all across this state."

The funding is split into non-competitive grants totaling more than $1.2 million and competitive grants totaling $3 million. The non-competitive grants were awarded to domestic violence programs in smaller counties with fewer resources, while the competitive grants were based on county poverty rates, type of model, county Child Protective Services reporting rates, regional office ratings, and racial equity and cultural competence.

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services used a competitive Request for Proposals to allocate the funds, which are awarded on an annual basis from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Applying for this funding helps the state better align with emerging needs and the national emphasis on reaching underserved populations and creating effective new evidence-based responses to domestic violence.

Awardees had to demonstrate in their proposals that the funds will support preventing incidents of family violence, as well as provide immediate shelter, support services, and access to community-based programs for victims of domestic violence and their children. They also had to offer specialized services for children, underserved populations, and minorities that are exposed to domestic violence.

Acting Commissioner of the Office of Children and Family Services Sheila J. Poole said, “Last year, more than 15,000 New Yorkers received emergency domestic violence shelter services at programs licensed by Office of Children and Family Services. This funding is critical to help come to the aid of adults and children who are desperately seeking help from dangerous situations at home. The organizations benefitting from this funding provide important care to families of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds affected by domestic violence every day of the year. It is important to recognize that there are victims across the state who need services not only to keep them safe, but to help them overcome the trauma of abuse.”

According to Safe Horizon, a victims' services agency that assists crime and abuse victims throughout New York City:

• One in four women will experience domestic violence.
• More than three million children each year will witness domestic violence at home.
• Without help, girls who witness domestic violence are more vulnerable to abuse, and boys are more likely to become abusers of their partners and children as adults, continuing a cycle of violence we see in families all too often.

Award Populations

TOTAL: $3,088,909

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. If you are a victim in crisis seeking assistance or for information about resources in your community, call the New York State Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906, or 1-800-621-HOPE in New York City.

Congressman Charles B. Rangel said, "I commend Governor Cuomo's commitment to combating domestic violence, which is not a private matter. We have a social obligation to help countless women and children living in constant threat and fear of abuse in their own homes. As a cosponsor of the landmark Violence Against Women Act of 1994, I wholeheartedly welcome this generous funding that is critical to ensuring greater success of prevention and treatment programs for the victims and survivors who desperately need our support."

Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey said, “There is no excuse for domestic violence, and we must work together to ensure women and children know that resources are available so that they may live safely without fear of violence. These federal grants are a strong statement against domestic violence in our communities. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I helped increase funding for domestic violence prevention, and I will continue to secure funding for critical programs that help eradicate the scourge of abuse and assist victims throughout New York.”

Congressman Jerrold Nadler said, “In Washington, I have fought to increase funding for federal programs to address domestic violence, and I am pleased that these critical resources are helping New York families seeking immediate shelter and support services. must do more to combat domestic violence at its source, and I will continue to work with government officials, advocates, and all others who share this goal.”

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney said, “One in four women will experience domestic violence, but far too many have no place to turn. These federal funds will help provide shelter and other support services for vulnerable New Yorkers, and help to expand domestic violence prevention efforts. I have long been a supporter of this federal program, because it helps to break the vicious cycle of domestic violence and stop the abuse of women and children.”

Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez said, “Henry Street Settlement provides critical services to some of our most vulnerable neighbors, victims of domestic violence, when they are most in need of help. I’m pleased to see these additional resources allocated, which will help more women.”

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy said, “Domestic violence must never be, under any circumstance, tolerated in our society. Since coming to Congress, I have fought for policies to combat domestic violence, and I know how critical support services are to the victims of these heinous crimes. Today’s announcement shows New York’s continued commitment to the victims of abuse and their families by providing invaluable assistance when they need it most. We must continue to do all we can to prevent domestic violence and the damaging impact it has on families across our State. I thank Governor Cuomo for his leadership in moving New York one step closer in achieving that goal.”

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks said, "Domestic violence is a prevalent issue affecting one in four women and thousands of families on a daily basis throughout New York State. However, as a society we do not always provide the proper care or support for these survivors on their road to recovery. I commend the Governor's decision to grant more than $4.3 million in federal funds for New York's Domestic Violence Prevention Programs, namely $75,250 granted to Queens Legal Services Corporation which is on the front lines in providing immediate support to abuse victims in the 5th Congressional District."

Congressman Steve Israel said, "We must make certain that victims of domestic violence have a safe haven and the resources they need to escape a dangerous situation. I’m pleased that the Safe Center LI has been awarded additional resources so they can continue their excellent work to provide domestic violence victims on Long Island with the broad spectrum of services that they’ve been providing to our community for the past 30 years.”

Congressman Tim Bishop said, “Providing assistance to victims of domestic violence and working to prevent future instances of domestic violence must be one of our top priorities. I am glad that the federal government is able to assist the state and, in turn, the local advocacy groups in this effort. Together we can work to heal the victims and break the cycle.”

Congressman Brian Higgins said, “Programs serving domestic violence survivors are crucial to providing the necessary shelter, treatment and counseling these situations call for. This funding will support these programs, allow them to expand their scope and services, and help them continue to serve survivors of domestic violence.”

Congressman Paul Tonko said, “I am pleased to see this support for services for survivors of domestic violence in the Capital Region and throughout the entire state. When we strengthen our communities in this way, we increase the quality of life for everybody. I appreciate the work of Governor Cuomo’s office to identify this critical issue and fight for vulnerable populations in our neighborhoods. Through FFVPSA and the Violence Against Women Act, we have seen more than a 62% drop in domestic violence and I will continue to work with Governor Cuomo and my colleagues in Congress to strengthen these laws.”

Congressman Chris Gibson said, “Family of Woodstock does extraordinary work on behalf of Hudson Valley families, providing shelter and care for people escaping abuse. I am proud to advocate for the Violence Against Women Act and the Violence Prevention and Services Act, both of which give crucial assistance to crime victims in Upstate New York. My staff and I are grateful to the Office of Children and Family Services for partnering with local organizations to administer these vital programs.”

Congressman Michael Grimm said, “The message we must continue to send to those who find themselves in violent, abusive situations is that there is support for those who come forward, and that they are not alone. This crucial funding marks another important step forward in this effort by supporting essential community resources that can help people, especially women, get out of a violent environment.”

Congressman Richard Hanna said, “No community is immune to domestic violence, but we can help ensure that no person in Upstate New York is neglected. These grants will benefit our organizations that are on the front line to help those who are in desperate need of help. As a 30-year supporter of the YWCA of the Mohawk Valley, I have absolute confidence that they and Catholic Charities will use these funds to aid victims at very critical times.”

Congressman Dan Maffei said, "This funding will ensure local agencies in Central New York have the critical resources they need to prevent domestic violence and make sure survivors of domestic violence have a safe place to stay. I will continue to fight for these important resources to support some of the most vulnerable families in our local communities."

Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney said, "Domestic violence is unacceptable under any circumstances. Working together with Governor Cuomo we can continue to make critical investments to stop domestic violence in our communities - our work is not over until we ensure no mother, daughter, friend or neighbor will ever suffer in silence."

Providers statewide received nearly 195,000 domestic violence crisis or hotline calls in 2013 alone. Local domestic violence hotlines provide community-specific information and resources. A list of local hotline numbers can be found on the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence website.

Additionally, the Office of Children and Family Services website contains information about domestic violence service providers. The information listed contains business addresses, and does not represent actual DV shelter locations.

The Office of Children and Family Services serves New York by promoting the safety, permanency, and well-being of children, families, and communities, and coordinates the licensing process for 163 residential domestic violence programs across the state. For more information, visit ocfs.ny.gov, “like” the New York State Office of Children and Family Services Facebook page, or follow @NYSOCFS on Twitter. OCFS also maintains a Spanish-language Twitter account, @NYSOCFS_espanol.