October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

ecent headlines have reminded all of us of the continuing problem of domestic violence, which rips apart the very fabric of families. It can afflict every segment of society and knows no economic, ethnic or geographic boundaries. While progress has been made in reducing these shameful crimes, more work must be done.

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides an opportunity to call attention to this problem and to the programs and services which are available to help victims.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233. The number for the New York State hotline is 1-800-942-6906.

More information can be obtained from the national website www.TheHotline.org or from the NYS website http://opdv.ny.gov/, which includes information on local agencies in each county that can provide assistance. I was pleased to obtain special funding this year to assist agencies in each county I represent, as well as funding for regional legal assistance programs for victims of domestic violence.