Important News

Balancing Technology Innovation and Safety within the Context of Gender-Based Violence

This conference for providers, featuring national experts from the technology industry and academia, will provide participants with:

• An overview of the emerging risks associated with technology use.
• Recommendations for mitigating technology misuse.
• Strategies for increasing survivors’ privacy and safety. Who should attend: Advocates and other professionals providing assistance to NYS survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.

Date: October 20, 2021
Time: 12-4 pm E.S.T.
Registration: https://bit.ly/3AeINIY

Blue-Ribbon Commission on Forensic Custody Evaluations

The Governor’s Blue-Ribbon Commission on Forensic Custody Evaluations, co-chaired by OPDV Executive Director Kelli Owens, will be holding two upcoming Public Listening Sessions that will allow the public to address the Commission on Forensic Custody Evaluations. The commission, comprised of judges, forensic evaluators, attorneys, parents, survivors of gender-based violence, and domestic violence advocates, is charged with issuing recommendations to the Governor regarding the use of forensic evaluations in custody determinations. Please submit your request as soon as possible.

SESSIONS TO BE HELD VIRTUALLY VIA WEBEX (links provided upon RSVP):
Thursday, September 9, 2021 | 5:30PM-7:30PM
Thursday, September 23, 2021 | 10AM-12PM

NYS Domestic Violence Fatality Review Report.
The New York State Domestic Violence Fatality Review Report to the Governor and Legislature has been released.

If you are unsafe at home…

Reach out to an advocate any time, day or night.

Chat, text and calls are secure and private.

Our chat service is:

• NOT a public chat room and completely confidential
• Secure and private
• Staffed by professionals who can help
• Available 7 days/week, 24 hours per day

We’re here for you. Click below to “Chat” or “Search” for local resources

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Available in multiple languages

For Your Safety:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger and the police will respond.
• Seek treatment at a hospital emergency department if needed. Hospitals are open and a safe place to go for medical care.
• Add NYS resource info (above) under a fake contact name to avoid suspicion.
• Create a code word for friends and family that will tell them you need help.
• Know the areas in your home with a lock on the door.
• Prepare a go-bag with important documents, medication and extra clothing.
• Tell your family and friends where you will flee if you need to leave urgently.
• Talk with your children about safety so they have a sense of acceptable situations.
• Advocates are available to help you days, evenings and weekends.

Be an Ally:

• Listen without judgment.
• Support their decisions – they made their choices for a reason.
• Remind them that it's not their fault – there is no excuse for abuse.
• Let them know all services are still up and running – 911, shelters, healthcare
• Refer them to the services above – text, chat or call an advocate.
• Help them brainstorm other places they can stay.
• Remind them that they are not alone.
• Build on their strengths – they've survived.
• Talk about their options.
• Ask how you can help and what they need.
• Don't tell them what to do. It’s time they have control over their own life.