Jamaica holds domestic violence prevention event

After a rise in domestic violence cases in the city in recent years, elected officials and activists hosted a #PutTheNailInIt event to "put the nail in domestic violence" last Friday.

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Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest) teamed up with the 103rd Precinct, Safe Horizon, and the Make Me Over Beauty Bar to host the event at the Jamaica Colosseum Mall. The purpose was to raise awareness of domestic violence and how it affects families and communities.

The event, co-sponsored by state Sen. Leroy Comrie (St. Albans) and Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman (D-Springfield Gardens), responded to a rise in domestic violence crimes in New York City in recent years. In 2016, according to the Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence, the NYPD responded to 91,600 intimate-partner-related domestic violence calls, a 22.6 percent increase from the previous year. The city also said that domestic violence has become the leading cause of homelessness in New York, responsible for 30 percent of homeless families with children.

At the event, attendees were encouraged to have their ring fingernail painted purple by the Make Me Over Beauty Bar as part of the #PutTheNailInIt vow to end domestic violence. The 103rd Precinct and members of Safe Horizon, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting victims of violence, provided community members with information about domestic violence and where victims could seek help.

Lancman, chairman of the Council's Committee on the Justice System, thanked the 103rd Precinct and Safe Horizon for their efforts to eliminate domestic violence in the community.

"Domestic violence is a frightening reality for far too many families in New York City," he said. "We are sending a strong message that domestic violence has no place in our community and our city, and that survivors have our complete support."

Lancman called for a Courts and Legal Services Committee hearing last September to examine the effectiveness of the city's Integrated Domestic Violence Courts. As the new chairman of the Committee on the Justice System, Lancman said he is planning additional hearings and oversight to ensure that victims of domestic violence have sufficient protections and legal resources.

Khadija Faison, the 10rd Precinct sergeant of community affairs, said the #PutTheNailInIt event was a fun, educational day for the community. Sgt. Faison said that the 103rd is passionate about putting an end to domestic violence and that the precinct's presence at the event gave the community an opportunity to interact with the precinct's units, along with other agencies that specialize in domestic violence outreach.

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Assemblywoman Hyndman thanked all who had nails painted purple in solidarity with victims of domestic violence.

"Domestic violence is a prevalent issue in our community, and many are still afraid to seek help," she said. "By demonstrating our support and engaging the community, we allow survivors to feel safe and protected. No woman, man, or child should have to live in fear of the person they love."

Reach Gina Martinez by email at gmartinez@cnglo cal.com or by phone at (718) 260?4566.

Posted 12:00 am, February 4, 2018