$100,000 Anti-Crime Grant Provided by State Senator Andrew Lanza to Fund Support Services for Victims of Domestic Violence on Staten Island

"Domestic violence is an abhorrent crime that erodes the fundamental expectation of safety and security that comes with being at home or around a person of trust. As a community, we must ensure that programs are in place to help victims of domestic violence pick up the pieces and move beyond such a traumatizing experience. With the support of Community Health Action of Staten Island, the Family Justice Center is doing an incredible job in doing just that. I'm proud to work with District Attorney McMahon as we announce this allocation of $100,000 from this year's New York State budget to support this important work." Senator Lanza 

State funding will enable RCDA & Community Health Action of Staten Island to expand domestic violence services and provide early intervention for strangulation cases

Staten Island, N.Y. – Richmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon today announced a $100,000 Anti-Crime grant provided by State Senator Andrew Lanza to fund support services for victims of domestic violence on Staten Island. Additionally, the state funding will go toward early intervention outreach for strangulation cases, which is a top indicator of escalating domestic violence problems and one of the top pre-indicators of a domestic violence-related homicide. Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI) will continue its partnership to administer these services in coordination with RCDA.  

 “Although Domestic Violence Awareness month is almost over, our commitment to supporting victims of abuse lasts year round. To that end, I am proud to announce this vital funding provided by Senator Lanza to expand and enhance programs for victims of domestic violence on Staten Island,” said District Attorney Michael E. McMahon. “This funding will better enable my office and Community Health Action of Staten Island to administer these critical support services to victims of these heinous crimes, as well as their families, to help keep them safe and live their everyday lives. I would like to thank Senator Lanza for joining our efforts to fight this imperative issue facing so many on Staten Island.”

Senator Andrew Lanza said, "Domestic violence is an abhorrent crime that erodes the fundamental expectation of safety and security that comes with being at home or around a person of trust. As a community, we must ensure that programs are in place to help victims of domestic violence pick up the pieces and move beyond such a traumatizing experience. With the support of Community Health Action of Staten Island, the Family Justice Center is doing an incredible job in doing just that. I'm proud to work with District Attorney McMahon as we announce this allocation of $100,000 from this year's New York State budget to support this important work."

 Cecile Noel, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence said, “I applaud the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office, and Senator Lanza for working together on this important investment in services that support domestic violence survivors. Today’s announcement is a clear message that in New York City, survivors of domestic violence have allies, and they are not alone.”

 Diane Arneth, Executive Director of Community Health Action of Staten Island said, "We are so grateful for the combined leadership of District Attorney Michael McMahon and State Senator Andrew Lanza that will provide critically needed support for victims of domestic violence on Staten Island. Community Health Action is proud to partner with these visionary elected officials to break the cycle of trauma and violence in the lives of these families.”

 Already this year, CHASI has worked with RCDA to provide domestic violence and trauma services for hundreds of victims on Staten Island. This funding will allow CHASI to continue these efforts as well as expand victim services in coordination with RCDA. 

On Staten Island, RCDA had more than 300 cases involving strangulation over the past year. Research shows that victims of strangulation are 700% more likely to be the victim of attempted homicide and 800% more likely to be killed by the same partner who strangled them. By integrating these victims with services as soon as possible after the strangulation incident, we hope to decrease that risk.