Senator Johnson Secures Grant For Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence

State Senator Owen H. Johnson (4th Senate District, Babylon), Chairman of the Finance Committee, recently paid a visit to the offices of the Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence (SCCADV) where he had the opportunity to meet with Executive Director Joanne Sanders and Staff Attorney Adam Small and discuss the legal services programs that the Coalition provides to victims of domestic violence. Senator Johnson was able to secure a state grant of $20,000 to support the coalition’s legal services programs.

Senator Johnson explained that the SCCADV has a staff attorney available to represent victims of domestic violence in family court at no charge in the areas of custody and visitation. Additionally, the Coalition provides court advocates that provide victims with support, information and assistance in obtaining orders of protection. They also have advocates working in all precincts of the Suffolk County Police Department.

"Domestic Violence affects all aspects of a victim’s life and we are very fortunate that the Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence is here to help victims take the first steps they need to take in order to move forward and reclaim their lives," said Senator Johnson. "Navigating the family court system and dealing with the variety of legal issues that are involved with domestic violence can be very frightening and overwhelming for a victim. That’s why I am pleased that this grant will help support the critically important legal services that SCCADV provides."

Pictured in front of a meaningful quilt that was made and pieced together by victims of domestic violence and area schoolchildren who participated in a learning experience about domestic violence are: SCCADV Staff Attorney Adam Small; Senator Owen H. Johnson and SCCADV Executive Director Joanne Sanders.

For more information about domestic violence and the services offered by SCCADV, visit their website at http://www.sccadv.org. If you are a victim of domestic violence, call the SCCADV 24-hour hotline for assistance at 631-666-8833. All information given is confidential.