On Oct. 15, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that New York launched new Domestic Violence Regional Councils that will help transform and modernize delivery of services for victims, survivors and their families.

 

“October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and throughout the pandemic we have seen an alarming rise in domestic violence cases,” the governor said. “These 10 new councils will engage with local experts to help domestic violence survivors and their families.”

The governor added that it was also an important reminder for people that they aren’t trapped because of COVID. “If there is an issue where you face imminent harm, call 9-1-1 immediately,” Cuomo added. “If you need help, you can call the State’s Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906, or text 844-997-2121.”

 

Separately, on a more local level, Crusaders for Children’s Rights are organizing a virtual domestic violence awareness discussion on Friday, Oct. 16 at noon. (See attached flyer for details).

As previously reported by Norwood News, according to a 2019 report by the New York City Domestic Fatality Review Committee, intimate partner homicide in the Bronx increased by 85.7 percent between 2017 and 2018. Those rates are reported to have worsened since the pandemic hit.