Brooklyn, NY – For the first time, every single district in New York City will receive funding through the City Council’s Domestic Violence Empowerment Initiative (DoVE), including Brooklyn’s Orthodox community, which had been excluded in the past.
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Approval for city-wide distribution came after discussions at the June negotiations for the Fiscal Year 2014 budget concluded that domestic violence is an issue that affects every New York City neighborhood.
As a result, a qualified social service organization in each district will receive $20,000 in this year’s budget to provide DoVE services to local residents in communities they serve.
According to the NYPD, there were 30,428 reported domestic violence victims in 2012, an increase of about 1,500 from 2011. In addition, statewide data shows that there were 6,152 violations of protection orders in New York City in 2012, which was also up slightly from the prior year.
“Domestic violence is a problem that affects women, children and families in every community across our city,” said Councilman David G. Greenfield. “Unfortunately, many neighborhoods have not received the funding and resources needed to help victims of domestic violence move forward and rebuild their lives.”
Greenfield said he has allocated funding for his 44th district to Shalom Task Force, which has been assisting domestic violence victims in the frum community since 1992. Shalom Task Force said the money will help support its confidential domestic abuse hotline which answers about one thousand calls a year, primarily from Orthodox Jewish victims.
This is a good start to raise awareness that Domestic violence DOES exist in the religious communities.
Abuse crosses ALL spectrums of religion, social status, economic status, ethnic and racial societies.
As a victim of domestic violence many times over, I am determined to become an advocate for those whom are too scared to speak.
I was there and it took me many years to find my voice and strength.
It is harder to leave than to stay so when you see a victim take the courage and leave the abusive situation and reach out for help- please send a smile their way.
Abuse refers to all forms of abuse- verbal, emotional, mental, financial , religious, sexual… etc..
Almost everyone reading this page can think of some child they know that is a victim…. for years as a child I wondered “why were my neighbors not saying something or doing something to save me….? ” even a warm smile or validation “I am always here for you if you need someone to listen too… ” can go such a long way… it can save a child’s life- mentally or physically.
I would read the ads of shalom task force “It hurts to call but it hurts more not too” since I am 8 and wished I had the courage to call…..
While a confidential line is great, victims and their families all need counseling. Too bad they won’t hire a therapist with that money to help with these innocent victims. People do not realize that even the little kids in the family need help and it can affect them throughout their life.
“Domestic violence is a problem that affects women, children and families in every community across our city,” said Councilman David G. Greenfield.”
Woman can do no evil? How about verbal abuse some men endure from their spouse? Equality is a two way street.
I’m concerned that the money will get in the wrong hands in Brooklyn. How can this be avoided? I know dozens of Frum women who are trying to get help and get out of their abusive marriages, but the husbands and Rabbonim threaten to take their children from them if they leave.
There is documented evidence that some rabbis cover up sexual abuse of children (as has been reported here); but they’re going to do something about this? Doubtful
Not to minimize domestic violence, but any efforts to address the problem must do so with responsibility. The volume of false accusations is quite large, as the systems kick into high gear at the very mention of the allegation. However, in New York, the woman who fabricates such accusations, destroying his reputation, probably employment, and the family will suffer not a single consequence. No charges for false report to police, not civil damages for the wreckage caused, not even consequences for breaking the family. Laws must be rewritten to hold women accountable. If accusations are true, prosecute the abuser. If false, recognize the woman as the abuser.