Giving Hope to Domestic Abuse Survivors in New York City

According to a 2012 report by the New York City Police Department, 68 percent of all murders of women committed in the city were caused by incidents of domestic violence. To help put an end to this violence, the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence (OCDV) continues to implement support programs and expand access to services citywide for victims and their children.

In March, OCDV celebrated the grand opening of the $6.5 million Manhattan Family Justice Center. Now the fourth location in New York City, the center provides victims of intimate partner violence, elder abuse and sex trafficking with important resources and support to help them live a life free from violence. Survivors who visit the Center are given the opportunity to meet with a prosecutor, speak with a trained counselor, and apply for housing and financial assistance in just one place – all while their children play safely in a supervised room next door. The Manhattan Center expands on the comprehensive, multilingual services already provided to survivors of domestic violence at the Centers in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens.

“The Family Justice Centers represent a unique partnership of government and community that aims to break down barriers and make it easier for victims to get the help they need,” said OCDV Commissioner Rose Pierre-Louis. “Verizon Wireless’ support over the past several years has allowed us to help thousands of victims of domestic abuse across New York City.”

Committed to helping the men, women and children affected by domestic violence, HopeLine from Verizon has been a consistent partner of OCDV through contributions to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City and OCDV. Between 2005 and 2013, HopeLine from Verizon gave nearly $140,000 in grants to support OCDV programs, including all four Family Justice Centers, and was named a founding supporter of the Brooklyn Center.

“As a recognized leader in the movement to combat domestic abuse, Verizon Wireless supports the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City and their efforts to end this epidemic,” said Patrick Devlin, president of Verizon Wireless, New York Metro Region. “We have been able to contribute to the opening of all four Family Justice Centers to-date, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with a $25,000 donation to the fifth Family Justice Center, opening in Staten Island next year.” 

Since 2005, the Family Justice Centers have assisted over 100,000 clients and more than 21,000 children have visited the playrooms. For more information, visit the OCDV website.