Senator Murphy Backs Women's Resource Centerwith $69k In Grants

CARMEL, NY - According to statistics, a woman is assaulted or beaten every nine seconds. Domestic violence is also the leading cause of injury to women - more than car accidents, muggings and rapes combined. To help stem the tide of violence against women, Senator Terrence Murphy will announce having secured $69,000 in grant money to enhance victim support services provided by the Putnam/Northern Westchester Women's Resource Center (PNWWRC). Senator Murphy will make his announcement at a press conference at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 20th at the historic Putnam County Courthouse, 44 Gleneida Avenue in Carmel.
 
The event, held during Domestic Violence Month, will also recognize the Women'sResource Center's mission to end violent acts against women. Senator Murphy will be joined by Putnam Count Executive MaryEllen Odell, a long-time PNWWRC supporter, and Anne Ellsworth, Executive Director for the PNWWRC. A crowd of county employees dressed in purple will line the Courthouse steps in a show of support.
 
"Violence against women is never excusable and should never be tolerated. We must do more to recognize the signs, listen to the victims and hold their abusers accountable," said Senator Murphy. "It is important to support the Women'sResource Center, which developed the tools to support women and families affected by violence."
 
"The Women's Resource Center is an advocate for women and families living under the weight of violence, providing education and services to those that need it most," said Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell. "I will continue to support the Women's Resource Center's efforts to end domestic violence and all forms of violence in our county."
 
Anne Ellsworth, Executive Director for the PNWWRC said, "The grants Senator Murphy is providing will improve the Center's ability to provide vitally needed services to victims of domestic violence. These grants will give us the opportunity to be there for victims in distress, providing them with assistance and information to weather their physical and emotional problems."
 
Founded in 1979, the Putnam/Northern Westchester Women's Resource Centerprovides resources, skills workshops and professional counseling to assist womenin making informed choices, while working towards their potential in an ever-changing social environment.  Staffed by more than forty volunteers, the Centercurrently serves over 2,000 women, children and men annually through shelter, 24-hour Hotline, and non-residential counseling and advocacy.  
 
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the "Day of Unity" held in October 1981 originated by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. It served as a method to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence againstwomen and their children.