Lawmakers secure $786K for domestic violence response, prevention programs

New York State Sen. Pete Harckham and Assemblymembers Dana Levenberg and Matt Slater announced Friday that $786,000 in state grant funding to respond to and prevent domestic violence, hold individuals who cause harm accountable for their actions, improve services and better support survivors in their legislative districts.

The state grants were part of a $23 million investment in the Statewide Targeted Reductions in Intimate Partner Violence (STRIVE) initiative, now in its second year, which includes 42 police departments across 17 counties and increasing funded personnel to 110 full-time and 120 part-time positions. The grants also continue to support training and coordination among police departments, district attorneys’ offices, probation departments, and community-based service providers.

Grant awardees serving residents in Harckham and Levenberg’s legislative districts include Westchester County District Attorney’s Office (receiving $447,357), Hope’s Door (receiving $234,100), Westchester County Probation Department (receiving $75,000) and the Ossining, Peekskill and Yorktown police departments (all receiving $10,000 each).

“Survivors of domestic violence need an assured level of safety and support, along with recognition and respect, every step of the way,” said Harckham. “The STRIVE initiative, which boosts coordination between law enforcement agencies and nonprofit organizations involved in stopping and treating domestic violence, increases the scope of resources available for this life-saving work. These forward-thinking investments will protect our residents and make our communities safer.”

He thanked Gov. Kathy Hochul and his colleagues for making the commitments.

Levenberg added that intimate partner violence is best addressed with a holistic approach.

“I am so proud that New York State is helping to meet the needs of survivors in Westchester County through funding for organizations like Hope’s Door and My Sister’s Place, as well as our local police departments and District Attorney’s office,” she said. “These funds will help our not-for-profits and our law enforcement agencies to offer material assistance, trauma-informed response and protection to those escaping this insidious form of violence in our communities.”

Launched to foster a strategic, data-informed response to intimate partner violence, STRIVE focuses on high-risk cases and emphasizes collaboration across agencies and organizations. In its first year, more than 1,200 public safety professionals were trained in evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches to domestic violence response.

“Domestic violence impacts families and communities across every corner of our state, and survivors deserve strong support systems they can rely on,” said Slater. “These investments will help strengthen coordination between law enforcement and community organizations, improve access to services and ensure survivors receive the protection and support they need. I’m grateful to our local partners for the critical work they do every day to keep residents safe.”

Yorktown Police Chief Robert Noble said partnership in advocacy makes a difference.

“Domestic violence calls require a high level of specialized care and precision and are among the most dangerous calls a police officer can respond to. They are volatile, unpredictable, and often involve people who know the responding officers are coming, and they are preparing for that moment,” Noble said. “These grant funds will allow us to enhance our trauma-informed training, ensuring our officers are equipped with the best possible tools to protect victims, hold offenders accountable, and keep responding officers safe.”

Information provided by the New York State Legislature