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Letter from the Commissioner

Dear ENDGBV Community,

I am deeply saddened by the events of the past few weeks, which have reminded us once again that violence against the Black community continues to be a reality throughout the country, even as we try to come together in the face of a global pandemic. Whether the violence is perpetuated directly by the police, as in the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Tony McDade, or by other individuals, as in the case of Christian Cooper, or the death of Ahmaud Arbery, the root is the same: systemic and entrenched racism that dehumanizes Black people and devalues Black lives.

We in the anti-violence field strive to create spaces of hope and healing for survivors and our communities. In this moment, our work can feel particularly daunting as survivors, particularly those who are Black and other people of color, become increasingly afraid that they will experience violence as a consequence of reaching out for help.

Your efforts as a DV or GBV provider are critical, as you work to build trust and support the communities you serve – especially Black communities throughout the City who are being failed by the criminal legal system. ENDGBV continues to support your efforts, and is committed to partnering with you to build safer options for all survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.

We have to keep working to support the community of survivors that depend on us in these uncertain and challenging times. The difference that the work you do makes in the lives of your clients can not be underestimated and I thank you for doing it every day. Your collaboration with us in the fight to end domestic and gender-based violence is the reason that we are able to do the important work that we do. 

Thank you for your partnership.

Sincerely,
Cecile Noel