Long Island, NY - September 18, 2017 - The consequences of domestic violence can last a lifetime. It is an epidemic that affects individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race or religion. It takes place in many forms – physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse – and the results are devastating. For that reason, the Assembly Minority Conference Steering Committee has been tasked to address the complex issues involved in the prevention of, and response to, domestic violence in New York communities.
The committee will hold regional forums focused on identifying gaps in services and programs for domestic violence victims, enhancing and creating pathways which ensure greater safety for victims and ensuring law enforcement measures are in place to hold abusers accountable. The fifth event will take place on Monday, September 25 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Farmingdale State College Little Theatre, Roosevelt Hall, 2350 Broadhollow Rd., Farmingdale.
Representatives from non-profit service providers, community-based domestic violence experts, law enforcement and the criminal justice system have been invited to attend and provide testimony. Additionally, the committee will welcome written and/or oral testimony from families and those with firsthand experience of the tragic devastation domestic violence can inflict.
“Domestic violence continues to tragically impact families across the state. As a former police officer, I have seen firsthand the toll these incidents can cause,” said Assemblyman Al Graf (R,C,I,Ref-Holbrook). “We must remain committed to a comprehensive approach which provides victims with the necessary tools and support to escape dangerous situations and holds abusers accountable for their gross actions.”
“Domestic violence is an extremely complicated issue that will require us to work with and listen to local and state experts,” said Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,C,Ref-Glen Head). “Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. We have to focus on ways to help victims from every background in communities across our state. Part of our strategy must demand greater consequences for abusers.”
“This forum will provide an opportunity to learn how we, as legislators, can help improve existing programs and efforts related to domestic violence in our community. It is vital to support the many dedicated individuals and organizations committed to helping victims of domestic violence with the tools to succeed,” said Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square). “Our message to abusers is simple; abuse will not be tolerated and can never be justified.”
“Every day, victims of domestic abuse are forced to live in fear, suffer debilitating anxiety and face uncertainty about the well-being of themselves and their loved ones. This is simply unacceptable,” said Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio (R,C,I-Gowanda) Steering Committee Chairman. “These forums will provide an opportunity to gather information about what is and isn’t working from all stakeholders involved, including those in law enforcement, the criminal justice system and community support programs. We want to help make our communities safer by providing greater protections for victims of domestic abuse and enacting policies that further prevent these situations from occurring.”
State representatives from the New York State Assembly will be holding this forum to hear from victims, advocates, attorneys, judges and other stakeholders in order to take a comprehensive view of ways we can improve our systems we have in place. Propose administrative and legislative changes to help protect victims and to secure them the help that they need, and to aid those that are in a position of authority the added tools that the need to fulfill their role in keeping victims safe.
For more information on the events, please contact the Assembly Minority Office of Public Affairs at 518-455-5073.