As a husband and father, hearing stories about incidents of domestic violence truly breaks my heart. No one should have to suffer such abuse. As we take steps to prevent these crimes from happening, we should also fight for the rights of those who have been victimized.

While domestic violence and sexual abuse often happen behind closed doors, they are not as uncommon as one might think. In Onondaga County alone, there are between three and five murders committed by an intimate partner each year. Our law enforcement officials answered 7,626 domestic violence calls in 2012, resulting in more than 1,000 arrests.¹²

Unfortunately, many victims and families in crisis don’t have access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives, even long after the crime is committed. Suffering or losing a loved one as a result of violence takes an emotional toll on everyone involved, and that stress is often worsened by the financial or legal barriers faced in the pursuit of justice. That’s why this week I helped pass a number of measures to help break down these barriers. This legislation would help ensure victims have access to the transportation they need to fully participate in the judicial process, strengthen protections for victims against their attackers and ensure every victim has the right to report criminal acts without consequence. We must help empower those who need it most and begin to eliminate the stigma that dissuades them from seeking assistance so they can begin to rebuild their lives.

Fortunately, there are also individuals and organizations that work tirelessly to prevent domestic and sexual violence and assist its victims. This year’s state budget provides over $6 million in funding for rape crisis centers, such as Vera House of Central New York. Vera House is an invaluable community resource, providing support and counseling services to victims of violent crimes. Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault can seek assistance 24 hours a day by contacting Vera House at 315-468-3260 or visiting its website (verahouse.org).

We’ve made considerable progress toward achieving a sense of security and justice in our community, but there’s still more work to be done. I’ll always fight to increase awareness and strengthen our laws so that we can help prevent acts of domestic violence, ensure its victims receive the vital services they need and keep our communities safe. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at StirpeA@assembly.state.ny.us or my office at 452-1115.

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