Senator Gallivan Announces Appointment of Mary Travers Murphy to Advisory Council on Domestic Violence

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) announces Mary Travers Murphy has been appointed to serve as a member of the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Advisory Council.  Travers Murphy is Executive Director of the Family Justice Center of Erie County and former Supervisor of the Town of Orchard Park.

“Ms. Travers Murphy has been advocating on behalf of the victims of domestic violence for many years and I was proud to recommend her appointment,” Gallivan said.  “Through her leadership of the Family Justice Center of Erie County and her dedication to the prevention of domestic violence, she is uniquely qualified to serve on this important panel and will bring a western New York perspective to the advisory council.” 

Gallivan is a former state trooper and Sheriff of Erie County who serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction.  He has supported legislation and secured state funding to assist victims of domestic violence and to punish perpetrators.

Travers Murphy was appointed to the advisory council in January and will attend her first meeting on April 20 in Albany.

“I’m honored and humbled by this appointment and will do everything in my power to advocate for victims of domestic violence and abuse here in WNY and around the state,” Travers Murphy said.  “I plan to share all the unique services the Family Justice Center offers our clients and most importantly I plan to listen to the experienced advocates on the council about how we can better serve and offer hope to people from every walk of life suffering silently and painfully.”

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Advisory Council was established to make recommendations on domestic violence related issues and effective strategies for the prevention of domestic violence.  It assists in the development of policies and priorities for effective intervention, public education and advocacy, and to facilitate communication and coordination of efforts among state agencies and between different levels of government for the prevention of domestic violence.

The Council includes representation from 14 state agencies, as well as 3 members appointed by the Governor, and 6 members appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of the legislature.

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