Brooklyn, NY – Tuesday evening on the corner of Wyckoff Avenue and Menahan Street, Assemblywoman Maritza Davila along with the mourning family of Sade Sanchez – gathered with local elected officials, residents and community partners to spread awareness of Domestic Violence and the harmful effects that have attributed to the loss of a 24-year-old mother. This is both an act of domestic and gun violence, two very prominent issues that continue to cost many innocent lives. More than 10 million women and men in the U.S. alone are victims of severe physical violence by their significant partner every year.

“I mourn with the Sanchez family through the devastating tragic loss of their beloved, Sade Sanchez. It’s a sad reality, for far too many women and men who are victims of domestic violence. Many victims are often afraid to leave their abusive partner because of fear, shame and lack of resources. That is why I stand here will you all today, so that each and every one of you can learn that there is help waiting for you. I was a victim of domestic violence and I understand the emotional barriers,” said Assemblywoman Maritza Davila.  “I was one of the co-founders of the North Brooklyn Coalition Against Family Violence, they’ve helped save many lives. I made it my duty to pass legislation such as A.1056, A.946-A, A4104-A, and A.10275 to ensure that there are more training programs and further assistance in place to help those who are in need. However, the fight against gun and domestic violence does not end here.”

“My heart is broken for the young woman who lost her life to this senseless act of domestic and gun violence in Bushwick. While nothing can quell the pain of her grieving family and community, we can and must do more to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. This is why I am calling upon leaders in Congress to pass a long-term renewal of the Violence Against Women Act and increase federal resources to support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. This Domestic Violence Awareness Month must be a time of action when survivors can be made to feel safe and justice is served for those who commit these heinous crimes.” said Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez.

“I extend my most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victim in this past weekend’s horrific shooting,” said Council Member Antonio Reynoso. “This senseless act of violence has brought to light the stark reality that domestic violence continues to persist in our community. In light of this tragedy, we must unite as elected officials, community leaders, and residents to strengthen protections for victims of abusive relationships and improve access to available resources and support. I thank Assemblywoman Maritza Davila for convening this call to action, and I look forward to working together to address this issue.”

“I am devastated by the loss of Sade Sanchez, a mother of two young boys, who was ruthlessly murdered by her ex-boyfriend,” said Public Advocate Letitia James. “Sadly, Sade’s circumstance is not uncommon - more than half of female homicide victims in our country are killed by an intimate partner. While we will do everything in our power to ensure her murderer is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, we must also remind women that we care and there are resources available to support them.” 

Monica Navarro, member of Make the Road New York said, “As a survivor of domestic violence, this incident is truly heartbreaking. Domestic violence needs to be taken seriously in our community. We must do more to listen and protect women, so they are able to have the resources they need to end abusive relationships.”

“We are deeply saddened and shocked. Our sincere condolences to the family. We will work with Assemblywoman Davila to prevent this from happening again.” said Rob Solano, Executive Director of Churches United for Fair Housing, Inc.

“In recognition of Domestic Violence Month, The Doe Fund stands in solidarity with the entire Bushwick community and each of its elected officials in condemning domestic violence and all senseless acts of violence,” said Terrance Coffie,” Community Affairs Liaison for The Doe Fund

In March, the Assembly again passed the Domestic Violence Escalation Prevention Act, which prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a domestic violence crime from purchasing or possessing a firearm. This year, the Senate finally joined the Assembly in passing the legislation and the governor signed it into law, marking a major milestone for domestic violence survivors (Ch. 60 of 2018).

Help and support are always available, Assemblywoman Davila noted. New York’s toll-free hotline is open 24 hours a day at 1-800-942-6906. For additional information, visit the New York State Office of Victim Services website at ovs.ny.gov or the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence website at opdv.ny.gov. The North Brooklyn Coalition Against Family Violence offers advocacy and emotional support for many victims; they can be reached at 718-302-4073 or by email at info@northbrooklyncoalition.org.