NY Sees Rise In Domestic Violence During COVID, Offers Resources

NEW YORK — Amid the increase in domestic violence incidents reported in New York due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, state officials have launched a new program to help victims. In March, Gov. Andrew Cuomo enacted the statewide "stay-at-home" order, set to expire this month. With everybody at home, this means that victims are now more vulnerable and unsafe than ever, since there is no way to get away from their abuser.

Calls to the state's domestic violence hotline are up 30 percent in April compared to last year and calls increased 18 percent from February to March 2020. State Police also report domestic violence incident calls were up 15 percent in March compared to last year.

On Long Island, Suffolk Executive Steve Bellone said last week that domestic violence incidents have increase by more than 3.4 percent in the county since March. In Nassau, domestic violence incidents have gone up by over 7 percent in the county in 2020.

For victims, who cannot make a phone call to get help or access services because their abuser can easily monitor their calls, the state recently launched a new text program and confidential online service. They say this will make it easier for these victims in isolation to contact the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and get the help they need.

"New Yorkers are living through an unimaginably stressful period and we're seeing signs that domestic violence is on the rise as victims are stuck at home with their abusers and unable to access the help they need," Cuomo said. "We've been working with state agencies to help address this issue and provide more resources, and this new text program and confidential online service will help make it easier for victims to get the help they need and get out of potentially dangerous situations."

New Yorkers seeking help can text 844-997-2121 or chat with a professional on the new confidential website at www.opdv.ny.gov. The text and online services will be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with OPDV staff who are experts in the area of domestic violence.

There are other groups and companies offering resources for domestic violence victims on Long Island during the coronavirus. The Retreat, a non-profit organization in East Hampton that provides services to domestic violence victims, is still available for help 24/7 during the current pandemic. Uber announced it will be offering up to 1,000 free rides for those seeking domestic violence services.

"The reality is that abuse victims are often closely surveilled by their abuser," Melissa DeRosa, Secretary to the Governor and Chair of the New York State Council on Women and Girls, said. "In New York, no one should be at risk because they can't find a way to make their need for help known."