Agency Leaders, Elected Officials and Advocates Praise Domestic Violence Task Force Recommendations

May 1, 2017

Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez said, “All of us must stand against domestic violence and work together to protect those who have suffered this abuse. These are tangible steps that will help better leverage city resource in reducing domestic violence and channeling important services to survivors. I applaud the Mayor for rolling out this effort.”

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney said, “Domestic violence is one of the hardest crimes to deal with as it often has a devastating ripple effect throughout victims’ lives. With these new initiatives, New York City has renewed its commitment to a comprehensive approach to protecting victims and helping survivors. Not only are early intervention programs critical, but so too is the aid the city provides to help these victims, often women and children, rebuild their lives away from their abusers. These new investments send a strong message: New York City is watching.”

Domestic violence can affect anyone, and every one of us has a role in addressing it," said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Herminia Palacio. "I applaud the work and commitment of the Domestic Violence Task Force as the city's next key step in taking a citywide, holistic approach to prevention, education and services to help survivors stay safe and strong."

“Domestic violence continues to affect too many families citywide,” said ACS Commissioner David Hansell. “We know that a high number of our child welfare investigations also involve domestic violence, which is why joining our partners in developing a comprehensive strategy is vital. We look forward to working with our partners to implement these recommendations and help prevent domestic violence, hold perpetrators accountable, and help survivors heal.”

“Domestic Violence is a silent epidemic affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, or religion,” said DYCD Commissioner Bill Chong. “DYCD is proud to partner with the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence and the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice in addressing these very important issues through the Domestic Violence Taskforce.  Survivors of sexual violence in New York City should know that they are not alone, the City cares, and there are resources available.”

“Mayor de Blasio’s focus on addressing the problem of domestic violence is making an impact for families across our City, and our schools have a vital role to play. I thank the Mayor and the Task Force for these recommendations, and look forward to continued work across City agencies to reduce domestic violence and educate our next generation about this issue and how to maintain healthy and supportive relationships with their partners and families,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña.

Commissioner Ana M. Bermudez Esq., (Co-Chair), New York City Department of Probation said, "The New York City Department of Probation (DOP) is committed to working with all individuals on probation who are affected by intimate partner violence to promote safety and long-term reduction in this often cyclical issue.  I was honored to have been an integral part of this task force, as a collaborative effort among stakeholders is the most effective way of addressing this complex matter.  DOP is committed to continuing this cross-agency and multidisciplinary work to advance best practices, hold people accountable, and strengthen the capacity of community resources and alternative interventions."

Sheriff Joseph Fucito said, “Addressing the multitude of domestic violence issues in a collaborative manner is key to reducing them. Members of social work, law enforcement, legal representation and the medical professional have come together to offer their insight into new approaches designed to prevent and address violence and ensure people feel safety and comfort in their most intimate place: their home.”  

“I applaud the tough and necessary work of the NYC Domestic Violence Task Force and look forward to working with leaders across the city to implement its recommendations, particularly for our immigrant communities,” said Commissioner Nisha Agarwal of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “Reducing domestic violence is a priority for our city and, at the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, we have worked with law enforcement and our sister agencies to better protect immigrant survivors and encourage their cooperation so that we can bring more abusers to justice. In this political climate, we want immigrant survivors to know that the City works tirelessly to ensure justice for all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status.”

“Domestic violence continues to be more common than many realize, and there are still too many factors that keep survivors from speaking out and getting the help they need,” said Department of Social Service Commissioner Steven Banks. “These recommendations demonstrate the City’s commitment to ensure that survivors of domestic violence and their children have the support they need to rebuild their lives.” 

“I was pleased to represent the interests of our City’s older adults on the Task Force,” said Department for the Aging Commissioner Donna Corrado. “As with familial elder abuse, domestic violence affects the victim and the entire family.  I am proud that the recommendations include the expansion of our award-winning initiative Providing Options to Elderly Clients Together. PROTECT addresses the underlying depression and anxiety that elder abuse victims face.”

“A critical component of the new investment focuses on linking more victims to domestic violence services and interventions at early stages. In addition to minimizing the impact on victims, such interventions can help reduce or prevent future domestic violence,” said Stanley Brezenoff, Interim President and Chief Executive Office of NYC Health + Hospitals.

“The Fire Department’s 15,000 first responders - Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics and Firefighters – pledge to serve the public in every way possible and that includes working with our partners in and outside government to address the problem of domestic violence,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “Through this initiative, we’ll better prepare and train our members to help victims beyond tending to their immediate physical wounds – and hopefully assist in preventing lifelong scars that too often result from domestic violence and abuse.”

Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said, "I am pleased that the Mayor invited my office to be the co-chair of the criminal justice section of this important and groundbreaking task force. Queens County is a nationally recognized leader in domestic violence prosecution and these new vital programs will be an important addition to our continued fight against domestic violence abusers. We look forward to working with the Mayor's office and other partner agencies on this road map to keep both survivors safe and hold batterers accountable."

Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, “Combatting domestic violence requires a comprehensive approach so I applaud Mayor De Blasio, First Lady Chirlane McCray and the NYC Domestic Violence Task Force for coming up with a wide range of innovative strategies to reduce familial abuse. Improved evidence gathering technologies and early intervention in particular will help prosecutors build stronger cases. In Brooklyn, we have long embraced a holistic approach to domestic violence, working with the Brooklyn Family Justice Center to provide an array of services, and I am pleased that the task force has proposed additional steps to ensure the safety and well-being of survivors.” 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark said, "Domestic Violence must be addressed as a major societal issue that has consequences for years to come. That is why my Office is using new strategies to prevent and combat these crimes such as a complaint room just for Domestic Violence victims, working with the Mayor's Family Justice Center to provide more efficient prosecution of abusers and immediate services for families. I am proud to have been a part of the task force, and these new investments that will help us reduce this scourge of violence."

Staten Island District Attorney Michael E. McMahon said, “In recent years, Staten Island has experienced alarming rates of domestic violence and, in 2016, there was a surge in domestic violence-related homicides. Despite monumental strides made with the opening of the Staten Island Family Justice Center and the creation of a separate Domestic Violence Bureau, this announcement reinforces our commitment that more must be done to stem this tide. Every New Yorker deserves to live free from fear and violence in their own home. We are grateful to have served on the Taskforce and that Staten Island will be included in the Early Victim Engagement (EVE) program, which will give our prosecutors and victim advocates the ability to engage victims early in the process, and allow us to better secure victim safety, expand victim access to supportive services, and ensure successful prosecutions of abusers.”

Assemblywoman Jaime Williams said, “The mandate to eliminate violence is a key component to improving society on a whole. If violence verbal and or physical can be removed from a domestic situation the proper seeds for instilling alternative remedies to violence can grow and our society will flourish.”

"The recommendations of the NYC Mayor’s Domestic Violence Task Force will serve as a critical multipronged strategy to help better address intimate partner violence”, said Helene Weinstein, Chair of the Assembly Judiciary Committee. “The recommendations emphasize a coordinated, citywide, data-driven response that focuses on early intervention, enhancing law enforcement response at all levels, providing services that better connect survivors to resources and identifying effective ways to hold abusers accountable. These efforts will better combat the pernicious nature of intimate partner violence and better protect victims of domestic violence."

"These recommendations represent a tremendous step towards addressing domestic violence in New York. As a member of the Task Force, I commend First Lady Chirlane McCray, NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill, Director of MOCJ Elizabeth Glazer, Commissioner of OCDV Cecile Noel, Task Force Director Bea Hanson, and all of our colleagues for their efforts to develop innovative, informed, and effective solutions to this problem. I look forward to continue working with the Task Force to assist vulnerable New Yorkers, and implementing these strategies on the state level," said Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, Chair of the Assembly Social Services Committee.

“As the nation’s leading victim assistance organization and New York City’s largest provider of services to victims of crime and abuse, Safe Horizon commends First Lady Chirlane McCray of New York City, Commissioner James O’Neill, from the New York City Police Department, Commissioner Cecile Noel from the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence, Director Liz Glazer from the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, and Executive Director Bea Hanson from the NYC Domestic Violence Task Force for bringing key City agencies, community-based organizations and survivors together in a focused and coordinated manner to develop a comprehensive strategy to reduce domestic violence in New York City,” said Ariel Zwang, CEO of Safe Horizon. “ We believe that the recommendations of the Task Force will be a catalyst for increasing the commitment, collaboration, and coordination between city agencies, community based organizations and those impacted by domestic violence.  We look forward to working with our partners in this most important endeavor.”

“It was an honor to serve as a co-chair of one of the workgroups to the NYC Domestic violence Task Force,” said Amy Barasch, Executive Director of Her Justice, and former Executive Director of the NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. “The inclusive nature of this effort, bringing together many of the leaders in the area, has resulted in real, actionable recommendations that will ensure that New York continues to lead in the area of combatting domestic violence.”

“Every year, Sanctuary for Families provides comprehensive services to thousands of New Yorkers who have experienced intimate partner violence.   We know that breaking this cycle is complex, requiring a coordinated effort by New York City’s criminal justice and social service networks that includes integrating prevention into our responses,” said Hon. Judy Harris Kluger, Executive Director of Sanctuary for Families. “Today’s recommendations by the Mayor’s Task Force will strengthen the City’s efforts to combat domestic violence by holding abusers accountable and facilitating access to services for those who need safety and security.  We thank First Lady Chirlane McCray and NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ) Elizabeth Glazer, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence (OCDV) Cecile Noel and Task Force Executive Director Bea Hanson for their leadership of the Task Force.”

"It was an honor to serve on the Mayor's Task Force, which brought together so many talented and dedicated people from government and the community,” said Liberty Aldrich, General Counsel/Director, Domestic Violence Programs at the Center for Court Innovation. “It will take thoughtful effort to implement the recommendations, but by creating and funding a permanent task force, the city is demonstrating its commitment to addressing this crucial issue over the long term. It is well past time to reduce the incidents of domestic violence as dramatically as New York City has reduced other crimes. These recommendations are a critical step forward in that effort."

“Day One is proud to work with the city on this initiative as part of our mission to partner with youth to end teen dating abuse and domestic violence,” said Stephanie Nilva, Esq., Executive Director of Day One. “We are impressed with the tremendous efforts of all the providers and agencies that were part of this Task Force, and we look forward to the expansion of effective solutions to intimate partner violence. We are particularly excited to see creative new efforts focused on prevention and intervention for youth affected by dating violence.”

“I am so proud to participate with the team that developed the NYC Domestic Violence Task Force guidelines,” said Nathaniel M. Fields, President & CEO of the Urban Resource Institute. “As Co-chair of the New York City Coalition of Domestic Violence Residential Providers, we recognize how important it is for us to come together as a city to combat domestic violence and support those who suffer because of it.  The strategies and recommendations here reinforce the City’s strong stance against domestic violence, and I commend Task Force Co-Chairs First Lady Chirlane McCray and NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill for their innovative, coordinated approach to this crucial work. We know that domestic violence is tragically common in our city, but through intervention, prevention, and holding abusers accountable, we can protect survivors and make New York safe for everyone.”

“We are grateful that our city has identified gender violence as a significant societal problem,” said Cecilia Gaston, Executive Director of VIP Mujeres. “In this new climate we are very concerned that it will be driven further underground.  Letting everyone know that there are safe places to get help will make a significant difference in immigrant communities.”