State announces $1.5 million to improve services for victims of domestic violence
Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently announced more than $1.5 million in federal funding will be directed to state-licensed domestic violence service providers for mobile devices and improved WiFi access.
The improved technology will allow programs and shelters to better serve victims and survivors of domestic violence who are facing increased isolation and difficulty accessing services due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The state’s COVID-19 Domestic Violence Task Force recommended that the state prioritize access to mobile advocacy, which is even more critical as the state and nation face a surge of the virus.
Additionally, New York has addressed another Task Force recommendation by issuing a request for proposals (RFP) to create a housing navigator system in each of the state’s 10 regions. Navigators will work with survivors to help them access available resources and housing support beyond shelters and work with advocates to help them better understand the process and assist with their clients’ housing needs.
The deadline to respond to the RFP, which makes $2.5 million in federal and state funding available for the initiative, is Friday, Feb. 26, 2021.
“COVID revealed low tide in America and uncovered the ugliness just beneath the surface,” Cuomo said.
“One of the indirect consequences has been a spike in domestic violence incidents across the state. Mobile outreach will help us connect individuals and families quickly and offer resources and assistance to get out of dangerous situations. In an increasingly remote world, these technological improvements will be a critical tool for helping particularly hard to reach New Yorkers in rural or isolated areas through COVID and beyond and increase public safety in all our communities,” Cuomo explained.
A list of providers receiving awards based on the number of people they serve in the Capital Region is listed below:
• Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren & Washington Counties: $14,000
• Community Action of Greene County: $11,000
• Equinox: $32,000
• Mechanicville Area Community Services Center: $4,000
• Unity House of Troy: $42,000
• Wellspring (Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County): $2,000
• YWCA of Schenectady: $54,000
“OCFS is grateful for the partnership and financial support of OVS and is proud to administer this funding to support domestic violence programs in providing robust advocacy remotely. Access to services is vitally important to the well-being of domestic violence survivors and their children, and this will allow programs to find innovative technology solutions to safely reach domestic violence survivors during the pandemic and afterward. Increasing Wi-Fi access in residential programs for victims of domestic violence facilitates education for children who are learning remotely and also assists domestic violence survivors in obtaining information on housing, employment and other needed services - ultimately helping them find safety and security,” Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Sheila J. Poole added.
New York State’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-942-6906, text: 844-997-2121 or chat at opdv.ny.gov. For a list of domestic violence hotlines by county, visit the New York State Domestic Violence Directory. The Office of Victim Services also funds a network of more than 200 community-based programs that support victims of crime and their families.