New York Gov. Cuomo Announces New Domestic Violence Text Program and Website

New York, NY(Law Firm Newswire) September 15, 2020 – New York launched several new initiatives in response to a statewide rise in reports of domestic violence incidents. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on April 24 announced a text program and confidential online service to make it easier for isolated domestic violence survivors to get help.

Domestic violence reports to the state’s hotline went up by 30 percent in April compared to the same period last year. Calls surged 18 percent from February to March. State police also noted a 15 percent increase in the number of domestic violence incident calls in March compared to last year’s rates.

“New Yorkers are now spending more time with each other at home due to COVID-19 restrictions, and tensions can easily rise,” commented Peter Brill, a New York criminal defense attorney with Brill Legal Group. “The state’s introduction of new domestic violence services will provide people with more ways to get the help they need. On the flip side, given the trend of increased domestic violence reports, individuals facing these accusations should also know that legal guidance is available to them even during the ongoing coronavirus crisis.”

Under the new program, New York residents in need of domestic violence assistance can text 844-997-2121 or visit the confidential website to reach a professional on www.opdv.ny.gov. The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) employees will staff both the text and online services around the clock.

Cuomo said the goal has been to provide additional domestic violence resources to help people get out of “potentially dangerous situations.” Since New York’s coronavirus stay-at-home order went into effect, OPDV and various state agencies have been working to develop innovative strategies for providing domestic violence survivors with safety information, such as through social media accounts of public utilities. There have also been efforts to display safety flyers with the domestic violence hotline number across pharmacies, grocery stores and other essential businesses.

Learn more at https://www.brill-legal.com/

Learn more at http://www.brill-legal.com/. BRILL LEGAL GROUP, P.C. Manhattan Office 306 5th Avenue, Penthouse New York, NY 10038 Phone: 212-233-4141 Nassau County Office 64 Hilton Avenue Hempstead, NY 11550 Phone: 516-206-2002 Suffolk County Office 150 Motor Parkway, Suite 401 Hauppauge, NY 11788 Phone: 631-237-1919 Toll Free: 888-309-8876