RITCHIE DELIVERS MORE THAN $100,000 TO SUPPORT RAPE CRISIS SERVICES AT LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

State Senator Patty Ritchie is marking Domestic Violence Awareness Month by announcing she has delivered $116,000 in special funding to help support the efforts of local organizations seeking to stop the spread of violence, rape and sexual assault throughout Central and Northern New York.

Funding secured by Senator Ritchie will benefit rape crisis services at the Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County, Oswego County Opportunities and St. Lawrence Valley Renewal House.

“From physical harm to psychological side effects, rape and other forms of violence have a long lasting impact on victims,” said Senator Ritchie. “Those who are affected by these terrible acts of violence need a shoulder to lean on, and that’s where our local assistance centers come in. The work they do is invaluable, and I am pleased to support their efforts to stop the spread of violence.”

“At St. Lawrence Valley Renewal House we strive each and every day to provide support services to victims of violence and abuse,” said Ilene Burke, Executive Director of St. Lawrence Valley Renewal House. “We can’t thank Senator Ritchie enough for this vital funding, which will help to support our organization’s ability  to be available to victims around the clock, as well as aid in our prevention efforts.”

“This month, across our country, the spotlight is on violence and an extra effort is made to raise awareness, as well as help victims,” said Jill Parker, Executive Director of the Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County. “The announcement of Senator Ritchie’s funding could not have come at a better time, and we thank her for her support of the work we do to assist those who need our help.”

“Whether it’s a child or an adult, rape and other forms of violence have the potential to destroy lives,” said Diane Cooper-Currier, Executive Director of Oswego  County Opportunities. “Funding secured by Senator Ritchie will be invaluable as we work to continue to provide rape crisis services to victims in the Central New York area.”

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 293,000 people are victims of rape or sexual assault annually.  In addition, it’s estimated that one in three American women will be sexually abused during their lifetime.