Senator Nozzolio Announces October 2009 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Continuing his aggressive efforts to strengthen criminal justice and victim services and raise awareness of violence against women, State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio is helping to recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“Domestic violence  is  a  tragic  crime  that  crosses  all ethnic,  age,  religious  and  socioeconomic boundaries. Every year, more than six million women are battered- more than 188,000 in New York State alone,” said Senator Nozzolio. “October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and raising awareness of domestic violence is necessary to educate citizens on the prevalence of the crime as well as the opportunities available for victims to get assistance.”

“Every  citizen,  including employers,  health  care  professionals,  substance  abuse   counselors, educators, and members of various branches of government, has a vital  role  to  play  in  promoting  zero tolerance of domestic violence throughout the State of New York,” Senator Nozzolio continued.

As former Chairman of the Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections Committee, Senator Nozzolio has been an outspoken proponent of victims’ rights and has been instrumental in fighting for legislation to increase penalties for domestic abusers, including the  Family Protection and Domestic Violence Act, which requires law enforcement officials to make an arrest on the scene of a domestic violence dispute when certain conditions are met.

Senator Nozzolio has also fought for improved services and support for domestic violence victims. He previously secured State funding for the Legal Aid Society of Rochester and the Victims Resource Center of Wayne County to support an attorney to provide outreach, legal clinics and legal services to victims of domestic violence in Wayne and Monroe Counties. 

“The most effective way to prevent domestic violence is to provide counseling services and legal protections for victims,” said Senator Nozzolio. “Organizations like the Legal Aid Society of Rochester and the Victims Resource Center of Wayne County have always demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to ensuring that victims are provided with the support they need and deserve.”

“As we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we remember the victims of domestic violence, including those who were killed as a result of family violence.  And in their honor, we renew our vow to protect individuals from a crime that undermines the core of a family and destroys the lives around it,” concluded Nozzolio.

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