Opinion: Looking back at the year in the Queens DA’s office
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We have made significant strides against criminal activity.
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Awareness initiative against gender-based violence highlights pandemic impact
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The annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence campaign runs from November 25th, UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10th, UN International Human Rights Day.
Read MoreOpinion: Close the ‘bad faith’ insurance loophole
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“Insurance is a lifeline — or at least it is supposed to be. But submitting a claim is a long and arduous process, with many loopholes designed to keep people from getting the payment to which they are entitled.”
Read MoreOpinion: Domestic violence awareness is crucial year-round
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Photo by William Alatriste
By ENDGBV Voices Committee
It is the end of October 2021 and we have come to the closing of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During DVAM, we raise awareness about the experiences of survivors of domestic abuse, we share information about the services, and resources available throughout New York City to victims, and highlight the intricacies of gender-based violence.
One in 4 women, and 1 in 10 men have experienced intimate partner violence during their lifetime. This unfortunate phenomenon occurs in every part of our city, among people of all races, cultures, religions, and income levels; and can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation. While domestic violence is one of the most underreported crimes, in 2020, there were 233,006 incident reports filed by the NYPD — an average of almost 640 a day.
The dynamics of domestic violence center around power and control. It is not always physical violence, and can involve abusive financial, emotional, psychological, sexual tactics being used to exploit another person. It is a form of domestic terrorism, where one’s vulnerabilities are attacked, the negative aspects of one’s personality may be maliciously pointed out to break one down, and intimacy from one’s partner is withheld, for example. In addition, aspects of coercive control can come into play, where the abused individual’s parenting is targeted and children weaponized.
Survivorship involves challenging state systems and acknowledging society’s role in the experiences of survivors. Victim-survivor’s stories or behaviors may be contradictory, due to trauma bonding with the survivor often rationalizing the bad behavior from abusers. Many survivors are re-learning what love looks like and some simple tasks may be complex. It is imperative that empathy, compassion, and understanding be extended towards these individuals, and that they receive trauma informed support.
The ENDGBV VOICES Committee is a survivor-led group that serves as a voice of hope and change. We share our stories and experiences to raise awareness of intimate partner violence and its impacts, outreach to affected communities, and make recommendations for improved systemic responses, as we work towards a future in which all New Yorkers, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, or immigration status, feel supported in pursuing lives free from abuse. You can reach out to the VOICES Committee at voices@endgbv.nyc.gov with questions.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, we are here for you, and you are never alone. Help is available by calling 311 to find a Family Justice Center in your borough. They can assist with safety planning, applying for public benefits, mental health services and legal help for orders of protection, divorce and immigration. One can also call the 24-Hour NYC Domestic Violence hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE. Other resources and support can be accessed by searching the City’s HOPE Resource Directory online at www.nyc.gov/NYCHOPE.
Opinion: Back to school stress can spark domestic violence
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Back to school is generally accompanied by angst, trepidation, and bated excitement.
Read MoreOpinion: Astoria stands united against NRG and fracked gas
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“To propose building a polluting plant in spite of the known health impacts it would have on the community is an insult.”
Read MoreOpinion: Invest in college students by doubling Pell Grants
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“Anyone who knows a Pell Grant recipient better understands the incalculable worth of the largest grant program offered by the Department of Education to undergraduate students.”
Read MoreOpinion: Following Hurricane Ida, city must push to legalize basement apartments
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“While some have argued in the wake of Hurricane Ida that the city should crack down harshly on illegal basements, I believe we must make them safe and livable for the tens of thousands of residents who already reside in these units.”
Read MoreOpinion: Ending rent moratoria is a lose, lose, lose
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“What is often lost in conversations about the current housing crisis is that in the absence of fully funding and disseminating needed rental assistance ending the moratoria are a lose, lose, lose situation.”
Read MoreOpinion: What does it mean to be a socialist in 2021?
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New York now has self described socialists in its State Legislature and, coming next January, the New York City Council.
Opinion: Robbing Pedro to pay Pablo
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Where sadly a significant number of witnesses, complainants and defendants are Latinos, very few of them will stand in front of a peer, a Latino judge, when it comes to the most serious and devastating crimes.
Read MoreOpinion: Bring Billie Holliday home
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Placing the Billie Holiday monument at Addisleigh Park, near where she lived, would resonate with the larger musical history of the area, creating an important local landmark and supporting tourism
Read MoreHow to recognize intimate partner violence
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Domestic violence, a widespread Global Health crisis that does not discriminate and can disproportionately affect those who are vulnerable and marginalized.
Read MoreOpinion: Queens has a housing crisis. Here’s how the next mayor can address it
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All told we are left with a dire situation that is accelerating at breakneck speed. We need a partner in City Hall that is ready to face the emergency head-on with a bold and comprehensive plan.
Read MoreOpinion: It's time for a fuller narrative about preventing homelessness
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If the moratoria end, New York City is on the brink of an eviction tsunami and homelessness crisis at a level never before experienced.
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