Seward Secures Funds for Domestic Violence Prevention

ONEONTA, 08/30/17 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) announced today that $75,000 in grant funds he secured will go to local domestic violence programs to help support the key community services they offer.

“These community programs provide vital services for those in dire need, who often have nowhere else to turn,” said Senator Seward.   “We are fortunate to have so many local organizations providing help to vulnerable individuals, and I am pleased to assist them in their efforts to make our communities safer.  These agencies are lifelines and, in many cases, are all that stand between a domestic violence victim and further hardship.”

The funding was set aside in the 2017-2018 state budget.

Program                                                                                   Funding Amount

YWCA of Cortland…………………………………….................................................……………$16,000

Catholic Charities of Herkimer County…………….........................……………….$16,000

Opportunities for Otsego…………………………........................................………………...$16,000

Catholic Charities of  Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie Counties…...$16,000

Delaware Opportunities……………………………..........................................……………...…$6,000

Catholic Charities of Chenango County…………………..........................…………..$5,000

Along with providing grant funds to local, non-profit violence intervention programs, Senator Seward is also a proponent of strong laws to help curb domestic violence and shield victims.  Among the measures signed into law this year:

·         S.4407 – Prohibits the marriage of minors under 17 years of age and requires 17-year-olds to get court approval for marriage.  From 2000-2010, nearly 4,000 children were married in the state, increasing the likelihood of domestic violence while undermining their health, education, and economic opportunities;

·         S.5394 – Adds the New York State Police and Office of Victim Services as new members of the state’s Domestic Violence Fatality Review team.  The new members bring law enforcement and victim advocate experience to enhance the development of polices for effective intervention, public education, and advocacy in efforts to end domestic violence. 

Additionally, the senate passed several bills that failed to advance for a vote by the assembly, including:

• S.65 – The Domestic Violence Protection Act, also known as Brittany’s Law, that would create a publicly accessible registry of all individuals convicted of a violent felony and allow local law enforcement to keep track of their location;
• S.513 – Allowing domestic violence victims to testify via closed circuit television to avoid courtroom intimidation by alleged abusers;
• S.4311 – Providing expanded protections to employees of domestic violence shelters or those seeking their services by strengthening penalties for assaults at shelters;
• S.6420 – Ensuring that victim and witness statements made to authorities regarding sexual abuse remain private and are not subject to disclosure to the media or general public.

“Domestic violence victims are often dealing with both physical and emotional trauma.  These bills, approved by the senate, would ensure that victims are not mistreated further and are able to start rebuilding their lives.  In addition, Brittany’s Law would increase community awareness of predators and help strengthen public safety.  Going forward, I will continue to advocate for these and other bills to better protect our most vulnerable and ensure they receive the support and care they need,” Seward said.

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