Domestic Violence

Freedom Youth Family Justice Center Continues to Fight Human Trafficking

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Freedom Youth Family Justice Center (FYFJC), which seeks to empower, strengthen, and stabilize victims and survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence, held a “Stars of Freedom” annual gala on Friday, Jan. 24, at Eastwood Manor in the Williamsbridge section of The Bronx. Founded by Monique Riley, CEO, in conjunction with her husband, Joseph Riley, executive director, the Freedom Youth team took some well-deserved time out to celebrate their hard work and honor survivors, friends and allies.

Former Bronx Professor Gets Over 8 Years for Human Trafficking & Sex Crimes

By SÍLE MOLONEY
A 45-year-old Bronx man, Jorge Alberto Ramos, was sentenced on Thursday, Feb. 6, to over 8 years in prison for smuggling three female victims from El Salvador to the U.S., where he sexually abused them, federal prosecutors said. The man’s sentence was also for possessing child pornography. Danielle R. Sassoon, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said the sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl, who also presided over the defendant’s guilty plea.

Politicians & Gun Control Activists Hail Passage of Additional New York State Gun Control Bills into Law

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Alongside gunshot survivor, gun control activist, and former Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, New York government officials, and other gun safety advocates, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into State law a new package of six bills on Wednesday, Oct. 9, which elected officials say will strengthen New York’s gun laws, by taking action against dangerous “pistol convertors,” by requiring gun sellers to post tobacco-style safety warnings on their products, and by providing other new tools and resources to help protect more New Yorkers from gun violence. 

City Marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30

By SÍLE MOLONEY
“World Day Against Trafficking in Persons” is marked on July 30. According to the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (MOEDGBV), human trafficking is the use of power and control to force, trick, or coerce someone into engaging in providing labor or services, which can include commercial sex.

Mayor, Council Speaker Strike Deal on $112.4 Billion Balanced FY 2025 Budget

By SÍLE MOLONEY
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Finance Chair Justin Brannan, members of the City Council, and senior members of the Adams administration announced an agreement on Friday, June 28, for an on-time, balanced, and fiscally-responsible $112.4 billion adopted budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.