Westchester Reporter

The Westchester County Office for Women (OFW) is observing the second annual Stalking Awareness Day of Action on January 18. The office aims to support victims of stalking and domestic violence with a range of services.

Robi Schlaff, Director of OFW, stated: “Being a victim of physical or emotional abuse can be isolating, overwhelming and terrifying. The OFW wants to take this opportunity to guide victims through these traumatic events with empathy and compassion by providing confidential, supportive and culturally appropriate services, either through our team or through one of our dedicated partner agencies.”

Schlaff also highlighted the connection between stalking and domestic violence: “The correlation between stalking and domestic violence is sobering: 81% of women stalked by a current or former spouse/cohabitating partner were physically assaulted by that partner. Even more alarming is that stalking increases the risk of intimate partner homicide by three times. We take reports of stalking very seriously because we are aware of the tragic outcomes, and we treat all victims and their families without judgement and with confidentiality and respect.”

The OFW operates weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering services such as risk assessment, sheltering information, legal navigation, rights advocacy, wellness resources, among others.

In addition to its own offerings, the OFW collaborates with several organizations:

- The Family Justice Center provides legal assistance in obtaining protection orders and offers safety planning.

- The Westchester County Department of Probation assists in preparing protection orders.

- Hope’s Door offers a 24/7 hotline for emergency shelter and counseling.

- My Sisters’ Place provides intake services for various forms of support including human trafficking.

- The Westchester County District Attorney's Office Special Prosecutions Division handles reporting for crimes like domestic violence.

For further information about participation in National Stalking Awareness Day or other resources provided by OFW, individuals are encouraged to visit their website.