Ritchie Secures $30,000 to Aid Jefferson County Domestic Violence Victims

Funding to Help Meet Growing Need at Victims Assistance Center

State Senator Patty Ritchie announced today that $30,000 in state funding will be provided to the Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County, to help protect victims of domestic violence.

“Domestic violence continues to be a problem in our communities; ripping families apart and putting innocent people in danger. The Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County plays a vital role in the North Country, protecting and helping these victims.  I’m pleased to be able to help the center continue to grow, so it can lead more people towards lives that are free of violence” said Senator Ritchie.

The Victims Assistance Center has been a part of the North Country community since 1979.  Its mission is to assist and provide services to victims and survivors of violence and crime in Jefferson County.

During the past 14 years, the Victims Assistance Center has increased both its staff and programs, to help serve more people in need of help in Jefferson County. 

This funding will allow the center to further expand, and will be utilized for prevention and direct services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes.

“The Victims Assistance Center would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Senator Ritchie for the $30,000 funding award that she procured for our agency.  On behalf of the adult and child victims of domestic violence and sexual assault that we serve, Senator Ritchie is to be commended for her ongoing advocacy and enduring support for one of the most vulnerable populations in our community,” said Elaina Marra, Executive Director of the Organization. 

The Victims Assistance Center reports that in the past three years, they have seen an increase in the number of clients being served in both their residential and non-residential programs, making the need for extra assistance even more crucial.