What's New
Governor Cuomo names new OPDV Executive Director
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the appointment of Kelli Owens as Executive Director of OPDV. She joins the agency after serving as the Governor's Director of Women's Affairs since 2017.
Read this press release to learn more.
New initiative educates salon, spa professionals about indicators of domestic violence, how they can support clients
OPDV has announced a new initiative targeting salon and spa professionals, such as hair stylists and colorists, manicurists, estheticians and massage therapists, to help them support clients who may be victims of domestic abuse. The centerpiece of the initiative – a short video illustrating how these professionals can broach the subject if they are concerned about a client – will be distributed this month to approximately 78,000 appearance enhancement professionals licensed by New York. Developed by OPDV in collaboration with the state’s Media Services Center, the “I Am ABLE” (I Am Aware, I Believe, I Listen, I Empower) initiative builds upon efforts by the agency to encourage individuals to be an ally if they suspect a friend, colleague or loved one is the victim of physical, emotional and/or financial abuse.
Read this press release to learn more.
New Publication: The New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline Card
This 2” x 3.5” card is the same size as a standard business card and designed for sharing with clients, customers, patients and anyone else in need of the NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline number and information. The back is left intentionally blank for notes, future appointment dates and other important information. The card is available for free download and also can be ordered directly from our website.
Just released: The 2018 New York State Domestic Violence Dashboard
We are pleased to bring you the 2018 Domestic Violence Dashboard, which provides a wealth of information about the statewide prevalence of and response to domestic violence in 2016.
We also encourage you to refer to the Domestic Violence Dashboard Guide for more information about the data we have been collecting since 2007.
The OPDV Fall 2019 bulletin focuses on trauma prevention and response within the context of domestic violence. Highlights include our feature article, "Trauma-Informed Care: A Paradigm Shift," a Q&A about trauma-Informed, trauma-responsive workplaces, and an overview of OPDV's participation in the Trauma Champion initiative offered by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services and the Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care at the University of Buffalo. This issue also takes a look at the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on teen dating violence and provides information about the state's $4.45 million investment to improve services for abused children. Finally, the legislative update summarizes several of the many important pieces of legislation intended to aid victims and survivors of domestic violence that were enacted in the 2019 legislative session.
New York State Announces $400,000 to Enhance Domestic Violence Prevention Programs
The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence today announced recipients of its first-ever Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative grants, which are designed to foster development of holistic programs focused on preventing domestic violence among diverse populations and enhance collaborations between domestic violence programs and other service providers. The Retreat, based in Suffolk County, and Unity House of Troy, in Rensselaer County, each will receive $200,000 in funding from the agency for two years. Read this press release for more details.
Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI)
New York State is issuing this RFP for the development and operation of at least 1,200 new units of Supportive Housing for persons identified as homeless with special needs, conditions or other life challenges, including domestic violence. This RFP seeks to award the fourth year's commitment of Governor Cuomo's plan to develop 6,000 units over five years. NYS will award service and operating funding for units of housing developed to support the needs of individuals residing in the units.
Read this press release for more details about the initiative and how it can assist survivors of domestic violence.
Be an Ally
As an ally, you can provide information and resources to those in need. You can: share the state’s 24/7, free and confidential Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline number (1-800-942-6906); believe a friend or loved one and listen without judgment; encourage workplaces to adopt a policy to improve protections for victims; and support local domestic violence programs. For more ideas about how to be an ally, check out our new Ally card and poster, which you also can download and distribute in your community.