As Domestic Violence Awareness Month Continues, Ritchie Announces Nearly $75,000 In Funding To Support Victims

 As Domestic Violence Awareness Month continues, State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced she has secured nearly $75,000 to strengthen the efforts of local organizations that work to help victims of domestic violence and cut down on instances of the crime.   

“Domestic violence is a something that has devastating physical and psychological impacts on the lives of women, men and children and often times, it’s difficult for those being harmed to seek help,” said Senator Ritchie.

“Our local organizations that assist victims of domestic violence are key to helping give individuals the courage to break free of the cycle of  abuse and violence they have been subjected  to. I’m pleased to provide this funding to these important organizations, and commend them for the role they play in advocating for safety in our communities.”

Organizations receiving special funding are as follows:

St. Lawrence Valley Renewal House: $12,307

Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County: $12,307

The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York (Canton): $15,000

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York (Watertown): $15,000

Oswego County Opportunities: $20,000

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

“Domestic violence isn’t something that anyone likes to think about, but it’s a reality that happens here and across the nation every day,” said Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County Executive Director Jill Parker. “The funds Senator Ritchie secured for us will help in our efforts to assist victims and their families with community education and prevention.”

"We can't thank Senator Ritchie enough for this vital funding,” said St. Lawrence Valley Renewal House Executive Director Ilene Burke. “It will not only help in providing emotional support and counseling for victims of domestic violence, but will also be used to assist individuals with first month's rent or help with past due amounts, and gas cards to travel to needed appointments.”

“We are grateful to Senator Ritchie for her efforts assisting our agency and securing this important funding to help support victims of domestic and sexual violence,” said Diane Cooper-Currier, Executive Director of Oswego County Opportunities.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women and one in four men in the United Sates have experienced some sort of physical violence by an intimate partner.  In addition, it’s estimated that on a typical day, domestic violence hotlines across the United States receive roughly 21,000 calls from victims, averaging nearly 15 calls per-minute.