Sen. Ritchie Secures Domestic Violence Funding

State Senator Patty Ritchie recently announced she has secured $80,000 in special funding to aid victims of domestic violence in Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties.

Funding secured by Senator Ritchie will help three agencies in Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties strengthen the services they provide to victims.

"Across our region and state, there are countless people who are victims of domestic violence and are suffering both physically and often times, psychologically," said Senator Patty Ritchie.

"Domestic violence prevention and support organizations in Central and Northern New York play a vital role in helping victims recover. I am pleased to provide these funds, which will help those who work to stop domestic violence-and support those impacted by it-continue the important work they do and keep people throughout our region safer."

Organizations receiving funding include:

St. Lawrence Valley Renewal House for Victims of Family Violence, Inc.- $25,000

Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County, Inc.- $30,000

Oswego County Opportunities, Inc.- $25,000

"In order to effectively help domestic violence victims, you need resources that will give them the options and support they need to break free," said Ilene J. Burke, Executive Director of the St. Lawrence Valley Renewal House for Victims of Family Violence, Inc. "I want to personally thank Senator Ritchie for securing this funding for our agency, which works hard every day to assist victims and their families in the North Country."

"Domestic violence is a serious issue, where incidents happen every day and anyone can be a victim," said Jill Parker, Director of the Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County. "I can't thank Senator Ritchie enough for providing these funds, which will allow us to do our job better and in turn, help victims of domestic violence and provide them with the hope they need to recover."

"Ensuring that victims of domestic violence have the ability to utilize the necessary resources to break free is an important step in the recovery process," said Diane Cooper-Currier, Executive Director of Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. "I would like to sincerely thank Senator Ritchie for securing this funding, which will put us in a better position to provide even more support for victims and their families."

According to recent statistics, approximately 400,000 domestic incidents are reported to police departments throughout New York State annually. In addition, one in three women and one in four men in the United States have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.

This is the latest effort by Senator Ritchie to support victims of domestic violence. Earlier this year, the Senate passed legislation-known as "Brittany's Law" (S.65)-that would help save lives and prevent instances of violence by creating a publicaly accessible "Domestic Violence Offender Registry."