Ritchie Secures $50,000 to Help Victims of Domestic Violence

Special Funding Will Aid Organizations in Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties

State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced she has secured $50,000 in special funding to help victims of domestic violence in Central and Northern New York. 

“Whether it’s physical or psychological, anyone can become a victim of domestic violence; and often times, it’s difficult for the individual being harmed to seek help,” said Senator Ritchie.

“That’s where our local organizations that assist victims of domestic violence come in.  They lend a helping hand, and give individuals the courage to get back up on their feet.  I’m pleased to provide this funding to these vital organizations, and commend them for the work they do to promote safety in our communities.”

Organizations receiving special funding are as follows:

·      St. Lawrence Valley Renewal House: $15,000

·      Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County: $25,000

·      Oswego County Opportunities: $10,000

Local victims assistance advocates are praising Senator Ritchie’s efforts on behalf of those they help:

“Senator Ritchie’s efforts will assist our agency in providing domestic violence victims in St. Lawrence County an opportunity to break free from violence,” said Ilene Burke, Executive Director of St. Lawrence Valley Renewal House. “We are thankful that she was able to secure vital resources that will directly impact and support victims in rebuilding their lives.”

“The Victims Assistance Center would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Senator Patty Ritchie for the funding award she procured for our agency,” said Jill Parker, Executive Director of the Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County. “On behalf of the adult and child victims 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.”

“Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. (OCO) is excited to receive this funding to support services to victims of domestic violence,” said Diane Cooper-Currier, Executive Director of Oswego County Opportunities.

“This money is instrumental in helping us sustain services during an anticipated funding gap for a program serving victims of domestic violence who are also involved with Oswego County Child Protective Services. As a result of the commitment and efforts of Senator Ritchie, OCO will be able to continue its services to victims of abuse and their families until other anticipated funding starts. This continuity of care is critical for vulnerable families and OCO extends its gratitude and appreciation to Senator Ritchie for her efforts and concern for the safety of families.”

This most recent support builds upon $150,000 in special funding Senator Ritchie has secured in recent years for local domestic violence prevention organizations in Central and Northern New York. 

According to recent statistics, approximately 400,000 domestic incidents are reported to police departments throughout New York State annually.  In addition, the U.S. Surgeon General has identified domestic violence as the number one health problem affecting American women, with an estimated one in four females having had experienced domestic violence in her lifetime.