FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PR- 298-03 October 22, 2003 MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES HOUSING INITIATIVES TO AID VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE City Increases Options for Domestic Violence Victims Applying for Housing Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced several measures designed to increase the safety of victims of domestic violence by streamlining access to public and subsidized housing. The new initiatives will employ upgraded technology and the coordinated efforts of several City agencies to make safe housing easier to obtain for all domestic violence victims. Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence Yolanda B. Jimenez and Chairman of the New York City Housing Authority Tino Hernandez joined the Mayor for the announcement at the 2003 Domestic Violence Conference. The conference, sponsored by the Mayor’s Office, was held at Pace University. “From the beginning of this administration, we have been committed to doing whatever it takes to protect victims of domestic violence,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Nothing is more important than a safe place to live, but a complex system can sometimes make it hard for victims to get the housing that they need and deserve. Our new domestic violence initiatives will streamline the system and make it more user-friendly for those who need it most.” The new initiatives are a direct result of the work of the Domestic Violence Response Teams (DVRT), a pilot program announced by the Mayor in May 2002. Composed of representatives from City agencies and community-based organizations, DVRT teams work exclusively in two precincts with high rates of domestic violence to monitor the provision of services to victims and children who are most at risk. During the first year, team members learned that finding appropriate housing is one of the most complicated and stressful problems confronting victims of domestic violence. The problem is also pervasive; approximately 93% of DVRT families requested help in obtaining housing. Navigating a complicated shelter and housing system administered by several City and State agencies can often be overwhelming. In addition, research has shown that victims are at an increased risk of harm at the time they leave violent relationships, and are more likely to be murdered at that time than any other. “By listening to victims, we have learned what they need, and we are working hard to meet those needs,” said Commissioner Jimenez. “Victims of domestic violence will now have easier access to housing, which can be the route to safety.” “Consistent with our long-standing commitment in this area, NYCHA will continue to work proactively to improve public housing opportunities for victims of domestic violence,” said Chairman Hernandez. Building on the lessons learned from the DVRT program, the new initiatives will simplify the housing application process and make it easier for domestic violence victims to obtain both emergency shelter and permanent housing:
The Human Resources Administration currently provides 1,832 domestic violence emergency beds and 155 units of domestic violence transitional shelter. Last year alone, HRA provided shelter for over 7,000 victims, two-thirds of them children. The new initiatives will be effective by the end of this year. Through the City’s efforts, family related homicides are down 23.3%, and the combined rape, homicide and felony assaults are down 11.5% since this time last year. MEDIA CONTACT: Edward Skyler/ Lark-Marie Anton (212) 788-2958 |
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