Senator Mayer Announces $24,000 Award for the Pace Women's Justice Center to Support Legal Services for Domestic Violence Victims

On Monday, July 22nd, State Senator Shelley Mayer and Cindy Kanusher, Executive Director of the Pace Women's Justice Center (PWJC) announced a $24,000 grant for the non-profit that provides free legal services to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse. 

The funding will support a part-time attorney to provide direct, civil legal services for victims of domestic violence in PWJC’s Family Law Unit. As part of this Unit, the part time attorney will represent clients on a range of legal issues including protection orders, custody and visitation, child and spousal support, and contested matrimonial cases. 

State Senator Shelley Mayer, 37th District, said, “As an advocate for domestic violence survivors throughout my career, I am pleased that today I have the privilege of announcing a $24,000 grant for the Pace Women’s Justice Center. This grant, obtained through the leadership of Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, will support the hiring of a part-time attorney to provide services for additional victims and survivors of domestic violence. I commend the critical work of the Pace Women’s Justice Center, Executive Director Cindy Kanusher, and their staff and volunteers, for all that they do to support the legal needs of victims and survivors through vulnerable and difficult situations.”

Cindy Kanusher, Executive Director of the Pace Women’s Justice Center, said, “The Pace Women’s Justice Center is so very grateful to Senator Shelley Mayer for her longtime support for our work providing free legal services to over 3500 victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse annually. This new grant will help support our Family Law Unit, which represents clients so they can stay safe in their homes, maintain custody of their children, and gain control over their finances. This funding from Senator Mayer sends the important message that we support survivors, and we will work together towards ending domestic violence."

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “The Pace Women’s Justice Center (PWJC) provides invaluable services for the victims of domestic violence who are often dealing with both physical and emotional trauma and have nowhere else to turn. The funds secured for the PWJC will help the center continue its important service to Westchester and Putnam Counties. I applaud Senator Shelley Mayer for her staunch advocacy in support of the PWJC and I was proud that the Senate Democratic Majority took historic action to combat domestic violence and protect the survivors of this heinous crime. We will continue to support important organizations like the Pace Women’s Justice Center and stand up for women’s rights and protections.”   

Senator Mayer continued, “During the 2019 Legislative Session, under the leadership of Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, I was glad to vote for bills that increase the statute of limitations for survivors of domestic violence to bring a civil suit; ensure victims can take time off from work to obtain services, counseling or attend court proceedings; and provide the necessary safety survivors need by sealing certain public records. These bills passed both the Senate and the Assembly, and I urge the Governor to sign them into law.” 
The PWJC provides free legal services to more than 3,500 victims and survivors of domestic violence in Westchester and Putnam Counties annually, helping clients navigate the legal system during a frightening and potentially dangerous time in their lives.
 

About State Senator Shelley B. Mayer
Senator Mayer was elected to the New York State Senate to represent the 37th District in an April 2018 Special Election, and she was subsequently re-elected in November 2018. The 37th State Senate District includes the Cities of Yonkers, White Plains, Rye and New Rochelle; the Towns of Bedford, Eastchester, Harrison, North Castle, Mamaroneck, and Rye; the Villages of Bronxville, Larchmont, Harrison, Mamaroneck, Port Chester, Rye Brook, and Tuckahoe; and the unincorporated places of Katonah, Bedford Hills, and Armonk.
Prior to her time in the State Senate, she served in the State Assembly for six years representing the City of Yonkers in the 90th Assembly District. Click here to read more about Senator Mayer.

About Pace Women's Justice Center
Pace Women’s Justice Center (PWJC) provides free legal services to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse. A nonprofit legal center serving Westchester and Putnam Counties, PWJC helps individuals navigate the legal system and obtain services related to divorce, custody, support, financial exploitation, public benefits, and housing. Through outreach events and training programs, the Center raises awareness, educates the community, and trains judges, police officers, attorneys, and social service providers on best practices when working with victims of abuse. Click here to read more about the PWJC.