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Letter from the Commissioner

Dear Colleagues:

In New York City, we believe survivors. We stand with survivors. And we support survivors along their healing journeys. Cyntoia Brown was a child victim of sex trafficking who experienced significant abuse and trauma in her childhood. Today, she is a survivor and a mentor working to support other survivors. And just yesterday, she was granted executive clemency by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam after serving 15 years of a sentence for killing a 43-year-old man who solicited her for sex when she was 16 years old.

To survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, including human trafficking, please know that help and resources are available. Reach out when you are ready, and when it is safe. In New York City, survivors can:

  • Find local resources online at nyc.gov/nychope
  • Visit an NYC Family Justice Center for free and confidential services, including immediate safety planning, shelter assistance, and other resources. All are welcome regardless of language, income, gender identity, or immigration status. All Centers are open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and no appointment is needed.
  • Call 311 to get connected to resources—24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We salute the tireless efforts of trafficking advocates, and, as ever, New York City stands ready to help survivors.

Cecile Noel
Commissioner, Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence