Westchester County issued the following announcement on April 6.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer, the Westchester County Office for Women (OFW), the Department of Public Safety and local police departments, want to remind victims of domestic violence that they are not alone during the Coronavirus pandemic. In light of recently reported increases in domestic violence crimes in other countries, Westchester County is closely monitoring all domestic violence cases, with some local police departments reporting recent increases in domestic violence allegations. Westchester County is reminding victims that resources and services are available to them at all times; a full list of Help Lines for those seeking assistance is available below.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “The situation that has evolved from the Coronavirus has multiple layers, and with quarantine measures forcing people to stay inside their homes, it is understandable that victims of domestic violence are feeling vulnerable right now. As we all do our best to prevent the spread of this disease, domestic violence victims may be finding it difficult to find a safe haven. Our Office for Women is continuing to provide compassionate care around the clock to those who need assistance.”
Director of the Office for Women Robi Schlaff said: “Social distancing and sheltering in place policies have unique and potentially dangerous consequences for victims and their children. We continue to work with law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, our partner domestic violence service agencies to remotely offer a wide range of services to all victims and their families, including safety planning, legal assistance, help with orders of protection and strategies to stay safe.”
Westchester County Commissioner of Public Safety Thomas A. Gleason said: “This is an especially vulnerable time for persons at risk of domestic violence. I urge anyone who has been victimized, or feels at increased risk, to reach out for help. The law enforcement community, and the many organizations and advocates dedicated to this issue, remain unwavering in our commitment to provide assistance to those who need it.”
Pound Ridge Police Chief David Ryan, Head of the Domestic Violence Committee for the Westchester County Police Chiefs said: “While some law enforcement agencies have seen a slight uptick in domestic violence related calls, we are carefully evaluating the relationship between Domestic Violence and Mental Health in some of these cases. I have spoken with Robi Schlaff from the County Office for Women, Fred Green at the Special Prosecutions of the DA's Office, and we are looping in the Department of Community Mental Health and Westchester Medical Center to provide the resources necessary where they are needed. I am confident that law enforcement will meet the challenges presented in these situations, but now more than ever before we need our other partners as well due to challenging manpower issues we face at every level.”
Original source can be found here.
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